STARS OF THE FUTURE- Emily Love
Former Queen Bee and rising star Emily Love recently debuted for Edinburgh Rugby. She talked to general manager, Doug Crawford about her rise through the ranks of Borders Women’s Rugby.
DC: Hi Emily, first of thanks for doing the interview and congratulations on your Edinburgh Rugby debut! How did it go?
EL: No problem at all! Thank you, it was an amazing experience to get on against Glasgow, and such a privilege to now be capped as an Edinburgh women’s rugby player!
DC: If we go back to the start, how did you first get into rugby?
Young Emily in action for the Queen Bees.
EL: I started playing rugby when I was about 10 for Melrose Queen Bees. We had a great team that trained here and travelled all over the country playing different opposition, and of course played at the Greenyards in the Crichton Cup. I remember my first game against Stewart’s Melville, we played in the triangle and I scored my first try with about three girls hanging off me, and mum and dad shouting from the touchline for me to keep going and score the try. I’ll never forget that feeling of achievement and haven’t looked back since!
DC: What was it that you enjoy about rugby?
“IN MARCH 2024 I COMPETED IN WALES IN THE U18 6 NATIONS WHICH WAS JUST AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE PLAYING AT A HIGHER LEVEL...””
EL: The feeling every time I play of excitement and nerves and making those breaks or passes or steps and hearing the support of your team. I think being part of a team is such a great way to meet new people from different places with similar interests, I’ve definitely made friends for life through the sport.
DC: Can you tell us a bit about your rugby journey since?
EL: After Queen Bees, there wasn’t an U14’s team in the borders for girls, so I started training with East Lothian girls and played with them at U14 and U16 level. I then moved to Edinburgh Harlequins because East Lothian girls didn’t have an U18 team at the time. After sustaining a serious ankle injury in December 2022 while playing for Edinburgh Harlequins, I was incredibly lucky to work with Michelle Anderson. She was a huge help throughout my rehab journey, not only with the physical recovery but also in keeping my passion for rugby alive when it was tough. Michelle’s encouragement, guidance, and expertise were key in helping me stay focused and motivated during such a challenging period. Her belief in me really made a difference, and I’ll always be grateful for the role she played in my return to the game. After months of rehab, a surgery and more rehab, I was back playing in November 2023.
Emily (centre) after having represented Scotland U18s
In March 2024 I competed in Wales in the U18 6 Nations which was just an incredible experience playing at a higher level and competing against teams full of the best players from each country. After the 6 Nations I joined Corstorphine Cougars Women, which has been quite a fun journey so far, training and playing with players that are so experienced. We won the Premiership in December and are also looking to win the Sarah Beaney Cup this year. While training and playing for Cougars I trialled for Edinburgh Women’s Rugby team, and after the Premiership final, started training with them for the Celtic Challenge Competition.
I’ve had the chance to work with some incredible coaches, but one person who has made my journey a lot easier—and is always there to help or encourage me — is my dad. He has supported me at every stage of my journey, keeping me motivated and inspired. This has been especially important when trying to balance schoolwork, and now Uni work, alongside rugby. Just having someone to talk through these struggles with has been invaluable. We’ve worked together to find solutions that allow me to stay focused and keep pushing forward.
DC: What’s it been like training and playing with Edinburgh?
Emily (left) with Edinburgh Rugby.
EL: I have loved training at Edinburgh. The level of training has been so exciting. I have learnt so much from the meetings and being around players with more experience has been so good for my development and understanding of the game.
DC: What’s next on your radar rugby wise Upcoming tournaments?
EL: After the Celtic Challenge Competition, I will go back to Cougars and play in the Sarah Beany Cup. I’m then looking forward to trialling for Scotland U20s in the summer, so all fingers crossed for that!
DC: If you could give any encouragement or advice to any young girls either playing rugby or considering playing, what would it be?
EL: Go for it! Take every opportunity you can get, watch as much of it as you can, this will help your love and knowledge for the sport grow! It’s an exciting game to get involved in, especially now with the women’s side growing and the World Cup this year. And like I said before, the friends you make along the way are with you for life.
DC: Lastly, in his prime - who would win a 1 vs 1 - you or Callum (your older brother)?
EL: That’s a tough one, I think Callum would be close but I might just be able to step him… maybe.
QUICK FIRE FIVE:
What’s your preferred position to play?
I’ve just been moved to scrum half from back three and am loving it at the minute.
Favourite pre-match song to listen to?
Definitely a tie between Chelsea Dagger by the Fratellis and Edge of Seventeen by Stevie Nicks.
Rugby role model?
Brian O’Driscoll, Portia Woodman and Michaela Blyde.
Best rugby memory/moment?
Winning player of the match in the U16’s girls cup final at Murrayfield. Favourite post-match meal? Any kind of pasta.
