Aisha’s holding the ball of success

First year A-Level student Aisha Jah is packing a lot into her busy schedule this year, because alongside studying at West Nottinghamshire College and working a part-time job, she’s enjoying success in England Rugby’s under-18s Six Nations squad.

Having first got into the sport aged just eight on a school trip to experience tag rugby, she was hooked and found she enjoyed the adrenaline and camaraderie. After this she joined girls’ rugby training sessions at Mansfield Rugby Club.

Aisha, 17, said: “I really liked mixing with people and this was the first sport I’d really stuck at. I began playing with my friend Evie Haskell in the under-11s, who has also made it into the Six Nations under 18s with me. We’ve always had a good coach in her dad Peter who coaches a number of boys’ and girls’ teams.”

Aisha moved up the ranks quickly due to being taller than most for her age. She moved into the under-13s team at just 10 years old.

She said: “To begin with rugby was just a hobby that I enjoyed. Anyone who plays knows just how addictive the adrenaline rushes are, and I began to love that. My initial low confidence improved after the first year and I performed really well after moving to the under-15s team.”

When Covid hit she wasn’t able to play and missed interacting with everyone at the club so began her own fitness training which helped her physically.

She added: “I was glad when we could return and connect again. The rugby club is such a great community to be a part of.”

In her second year of playing for the under-15s Aisha had the chance to play for the county (Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire Rugby Football Union). Being part of the NLDRFU enabled her to be put forward for trials by the club.

She said: “Performing in the NLDs sees how you work in particular areas such as tackling and passing. It highlights how well you play with others. There’s lots of travelling involved at this level, but I took a lot from this experience. It was exciting for me, and I gained confidence, helping me to develop as a player.”

Her big break in earning a position in the Six Nations Squad has been the icing on the cake for Aisha. It was whilst playing for a rugby Centre of Excellence she was scouted for the England Under-18s.

She joined fellow England players over three days in Wales (29 March, 2 and 6 April), taking on teams from France, Italy, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

She said: “Playing against Scotland in the Six Nations finals in Colwyn Bay, Wales was simply amazing. It’s hard to describe the build-up and buzz of it all. It was such a new feeling for me with the fast pace and intensity of the game. It was great to have my mum and dad watching me at some games and others saw it on You Tube.”

France won the tournament with a 46-21 score over England. Aisha will be putting herself back on the pitch this year for the Six Nations starting with trial season in August and attending camps. But before this she has her chemistry, biology and environmental science studies to keep abreast of.

Aisha said: “In terms of what I want to do next I’m making sure I’m on top of my A-Levels and looking at going into nursing or medicine at university next. I’m even considering doing nursing in the army eventually. I could continue with playing rugby for the Armed Forces and still concentrate on playing for England.

“At the moment I’m just enjoying everything; the games, the adrenaline and getting on in life.”

Teaching head of the college’s sixth form centre, Irum Pervez, said: “I’m very proud of Aisha and her fantastic achievements on the field. Aisha is a positive role model for students at the sixth form who has skilfully balanced her demanding A-Level programme where she is achieving high grades alongside her significant sporting achievements. I wish every success on and off the pitch.”