Full name: Melissa Jacob
Nickname: MJ
Place of birth: Long Beach, California
Current city: BGC, Taguig
Years in rugby: 7 months
Position: Fly Half
Tell us about yourself and what you do outside rugby?
I’m a teacher and activities coordinator at an international school. If I’m not working or playing rugby on the weekend, you can find me at the beach or in the waves for a surf.
When and how did you start with Manila Nomads?
When the Rogues was first getting established, Bianca contacted me for a training venue and invited me along to training around August of last year. I wasn’t convinced of trying contact rugby. A few weeks later, Nic Milburn said she was thinking of going and trying a session out. I said that I’d go if she would go and the rest is history.
What is your favorite rugby move, skill or position?
Being new to rugby, I’m still learning about the game. I’ve been watching a bit of rugby and what impresses me the most is the communication and awareness players have with each other. A player, going full steam, looks like they are about to get tackled then at the last moment just dumps it to a teammate making a run. I know it’s simple, but sometimes the brilliance is in the simplicity.
For a rugby move, I’d love to be able to do a sick side step without looking like a baby giraffe stuck in the mud. I’ll keep working on it, maybe in 2020.
Tell us of any unforgettable or funny experiences you had in Manila Nomads.
Just playing for the Rogues in general. Nomads Rugby has been around for so long and to finally have a women’s team is great. Huge thank you to the effort Bianca put forth in getting this Rogues team started. Massive thank you to Fitz and Jonezy (and to the rest of Nomads boys who helped out) for training us. I know we tested your patience, but we are truly thankful for the time and effort you put in developing us into the players and team we are now. From girls who couldn’t catch and throw (standing still) to now…it’s been an incredible journey.
Funny moments, loads of them. From Aron & Robbie’s pre-practice huddle speech before M10s to learning Spanish and French (Comeme, Burrito, Allez Les Bleu). It’s pretty much a guaranteed laugh when you get together with the Rogues crew.
What can we expect from you as this year’s Nomads Rogues’ captain?
Aron Pritchard (Nomads Captain) and myself took over the captaincy after the Manila 10s. We hope to continue the great work the captains before us have started.
Personally, I would like to continue developing and growing the Rogues family. I think those that have been with the team from its inception have gotten a taste of rugby and are hooked. In line with this, I would like to get us involved in a couple of tours, whether domestic or international, in addition to the PRFU leagues. I would also like to see more youth get involved with Nomads rugby—we train at two local international schools, it would be great if we could get those students involved, through clinics or additional training, as a way to give back and grow the sport in the Philippines.
Any message to women who want to try rugby?
Come out and give it a try, it’s not as intimidating as it seems. We’ve got a great coach who will make sure you are learning the game the right way and an awesome group of girls who will make you feel welcome from the get-go. Come join us Thursdays at Terra Park or Saturdays at British School Manila/NAISM!
