This Women’s Month, we celebrate the women who play an essential role in the heartbeat of Villager FC. 💚🖤❤️
Today, we recognise Aurelia Forbes, Villager FC’s Club & Matchday Secretary.
From the organisation behind the scenes to the coordination that makes matchday happen, Aurelia plays an important role in ensuring that our club operates with structure, professionalism and purpose.
Women like Aurelia remind us that the strength of a rugby club isn’t only found on the field. It is also found in the people who give their time, expertise and energy to make everything around the game possible.
To all the women who serve, lead, organise, support, develop and inspire within our rugby community — we see you, we value you and we celebrate you. ❤️
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As a woman serving as Club Secretary and Match Secretary at Villager FC, what has your journey in rugby been like, and what do you love most about being involved in the game?
My journey in rugby has definitely not always been easy, but it has taught me so much. I have developed a much deeper understanding of the game and, more importantly, a huge appreciation for the sacrifice and commitment that happens behind the scenes. People see the players on the field, but they don’t always see the countless hours, hard work and dedication from the players, coaches, management and everyone else who makes a club function.
As Club Secretary and Match Secretary, there is always something that needs to be done. On match day, sitting next to the field, keeping score and keeping time requires absolute concentration and responsibility — and it is definitely not a job where you can lose focus! At the same time, it is incredibly exciting because you are right in the middle of the action. You also learn very quickly to duck when the ball is heading your way!
And then there is everything that happens away from the field. There are committee meetings, important decisions that need to be made, minutes that need to be taken and accurately captured, and important communication that needs to be sent out. There is always planning, organising, following up and making sure that things keep moving. A lot of this work happens quietly in the background, but it is essential to keeping the club running effectively.
What I love most is being part of something bigger than myself. Rugby is not just about 80 minutes on a Saturday. It is about commitment, teamwork, sacrifice and people working together towards a common goal. To know that your work behind the scenes contributes to the success of the club is something I am incredibly proud of.
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Villager FC has been crowned back-to-back champions — a remarkable achievement for the club. What did this moment mean to you personally, and how did it feel to be part of the journey behind the scenes?
Being part of a team that has achieved back-to-back championships has honestly been surreal. There is an incredible sense of pride when you look back at what the club has achieved and realise the amount of hard work, sacrifice and commitment that went into getting there.
Personally, it means a great deal because I have had the privilege of witnessing the journey from behind the scenes — the pressure, the challenges, the preparation and the commitment of everyone involved. Success like this does not happen by accident. It is built through people who continue showing up, even when nobody is watching.
But the reality of rugby is that the moment you celebrate one achievement, the next challenge is already waiting. There is no time to stand still. We are already preparing for the President’s Cup, the Gold Cup and the new season. That hunger to keep moving forward is what makes this club special. We are proud of what we have achieved, but we are not finished yet.
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Rugby has traditionally been seen as a male-dominated sport. What has your experience been as a woman in rugby, and how important is it for more women to become involved in clubs and the sport as a whole?
Being a woman in rugby has taught me the importance of resilience, confidence and finding your voice. You cannot take everything personally, and you cannot be afraid to stand your ground and speak up when something needs to be said.
Women bring an important strength to rugby and to leadership. We bring a different perspective, we identify opportunities for improvement, and we are not afraid to roll up our sleeves and get things done. Women are not simply there to fill a space — we can lead, create change, solve problems and make a meaningful contribution to the success of an entire club.
I believe we should never underestimate what women can bring to a traditionally male-dominated environment. We belong in the boardroom, on the sidelines, in administration, in management and in leadership. The more women who step forward, the more they create opportunities for the women who come after them.
- As we celebrate Women’s Month, what message would you like to share with young women and girls who may be interested in getting involved in rugby, sport administration, or leadership?
My message to young women and girls is simple: Never be afraid to step into a space simply because you have been told, directly or indirectly, that it is not meant for you. Do not allow the fact that something is challenging or male-dominated to make you question your ability.
Women have proven, time and again, that we are capable of doing the hard work, making difficult decisions and being exceptional leaders. We bring strength, determination and resilience, but we also bring empathy, understanding and the ability to deal with people during sensitive and difficult moments. Those qualities are not weaknesses — they are strengths.
Believe in yourself. Speak up. Take up space. Work hard. And never apologise for knowing your worth.
You do not have to change who you are to succeed in a male-dominated environment. Bring your own strength, your own voice and your own perspective — because that is exactly what makes you valuable.
If you are good enough to do the work, strong enough to face the challenges and brave enough to take the opportunity, then there is no space you do not belong in.