In our series, Behind the Player in association with Deloitte, Ulster’s Women players share a little bit about themselves, as well as recommendations for coping during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This week, Ulster Rugby spoke to Malone and Ulster full-back, Holly Brannigan.
Tell us a little about your rugby pathway to date.
My rugby pathway is a little different to most people’s. I started a bit later at 17 years old. All through school, I played hockey and did athletics, where I went to the UK schools’ games to represent Northern Ireland. I started sprinting 100m and 200m before moving to 400m. Athletics is an individual sport which is very different to a team sport like hockey, so I was glad to play it alongside athletics. I found being on my own quite difficult in athletics, competing for myself. I missed that team element and the social side of playing a team sport. I went to Wellington College from first to fifth year before moving to Grosvenor Grammar for my A-Levels. At Wellington, we played a bit of tag rugby – Neill Alcorn (Popcorn) from Ulster Rugby took us for tag. He encouraged me to join a club and told me I had some rugby talent. At the time, I loved athletics and wanted to stick with it. I just continued with tag rugby throughout school and when I moved to Grosvenor, there were a few girls there who played at Malone. We were interested in keeping tag rugby going and made it to the Schools’ Cup final. We lost but we got to play at Kingspan Stadium which was a fantastic experience. It was only then that I thought I could give rugby a go and joined Malone. I was fortunate enough to be selected for Ulster U18s and worked my way up into the senior squad.
[caption id="attachment_36123" align="alignnone" width="789"]
Holly is also an accomplished athlete[/caption]
Who have been your main influences in your rugby career?
What barriers have you had to overcome to reach this point?
I’m facing quite a big barrier at the moment. In November, I got injured quite badly, breaking my leg and my ankle. I had surgery to put pins and plates in and was non-weight-bearing for three months, which took me to March. Unfortunately, I picked up an infection on one of the wounds and needed more surgery and antibiotics. We thought it was clear but the infection returned and I needed another surgery. That’s what I’m facing at the moment; it’s been challenging and I’ve had some good and bad days. I’ve told myself that lockdown has been a blessing in disguise because I was injured and missing rugby anyway, but with rugby suspended, all the other girls were in the same boat. It allowed me to take the time to improve myself. I’m still going through physiotherapy and check-ups but I’m getting there, slowly but surely!
Another barrier throughout my sporting career has been a lack of self-confidence and belief in my own ability. I’ve always had that in the back of my head but my family have been so supportive of me. My mum knows me better than I do sometimes, so it’s nice to come home and talk things out with her.
The same applies to my coaches; my coach Grace (Davitt) has been great at giving feedback and communicating. I’ve learned I can take things on board better now. Last year, we moved up to the All-Ireland League which was a big jump for us as a team. The experience of playing alongside internationals is fantastic. Having Grace there and all that experience from her rugby career, bringing that into her coaching is brilliant. We’re able to have a laugh with her and it makes rugby more enjoyable. I can relate to her as a back; she’s been there, done that at the highest level. It’s nice to be able to bounce ideas off her.
What have you been up to in the last few months?
I’ve mainly been focusing on rehab on my ankle. There have been restrictions on access to physio and hospital appointments but now with those restrictions being lifted, I can access them easier. I’ve been doing as much as I can at home to get back. It can be quite boring doing the exercises over and over, but I know if I don’t work at it, the outcome won’t be as good. I’ve found that linking in with the girls in the squad has helped. Diesel (Paul Heasley) has sent out a strength and conditioning programme that we can do at home.
Aside from that, I’ve been walking the dog which has been good exercise for me; getting those muscles going. I’ve been doing a bit of baking like everyone else! We re-decorated all the rooms upstairs in our house to keep us busy. My brother got married during lockdown which will be something to talk about in the years to come! He has moved out now, so the house is a bit quieter without him.
How do you stay motivated?
When I got injured, I knew it would take a while to come back, but I didn’t expect it to be this extent. It was difficult for me to get my head around but I’ve been taking it one day at a time, particularly in the early stages. I didn’t know what was happening so I took every small improvement as a victory.
I’m starting to get back to the gym and training sessions and I’m just happy to be there. I’m not focusing too much on when I’ll be able to play my next match. It’s been difficult to stay motivated at times but I’ve had some great days. I’ve kept a progress diary with my exercises which is great to look back on because I can see the improvements I’ve made, even if it’s something as small as doing two more reps in a set, it’s progress. I’ve been keeping in touch with the girls at Malone who have been incredible. It’s lovely to have their support. When I got back to training, they were amazed at how far I had come. It gave me a huge lift.
As I mentioned before, my family has been brilliant too. They ask me if I’ve done my rehab for the day and keep pushing me on.
Have you got any tips on keeping fit and healthy eating?
I’m still living at home so I don’t do much cooking! I’m thankful I still get dinner made for me. During lockdown, I did help out with baking. Being active and being an athlete, I would say you can have a little of everything. You can have a treat day but make sure you’re getting your protein after training or playing for recovery. My mum is always telling me, “recovery food!".
As for keeping fit, just do a bit here and there and don’t go overboard, especially if you’re new to it. For me, coming back from injury, I don’t want to overdo it because it could prolong my recovery. Just take it bit-by-bit and try to go a little further each session.
[video width="848" height="480" mp4="https://www.ulsterrugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Holly-garden-circuits.mp4"][/video]
Family circuits in the garden
What do you do to relax?
During lockdown, I was off my feet so I started watching ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and got hooked on it. I binge-watched all fifteen series! I love to be by the sea, so any chance I get, I’d take the dog or go myself to the beach for a walk and fresh air.
Have you got any streaming or book recommendations?
I have been reading up on other athletes and the phycological side of sport; how they improve themselves and taking those tips on board. Bryant and his mentality are fascinating. The mental side has as much of an impact as the physical on an athlete. I have some time on my hands now to focus and learn about the psychological side of sport as I go through rehab.
What has been the best advice you’ve received?
My mum has always said to us that we’ll obviously have bad days and it will be hard training on cold, wet nights during the winter, and the minute you stop enjoying what you’re doing, you need to question why you’re doing it. It’s important to realise that sport is a hobby for most people. This isn’t a professional sport here so we’re spending our own time outside work and other commitments to play rugby. It’s hard winter training and the same in rugby; pre-season is really tough. Sometimes you have to grin and bear it, but you know the work will pay off. Every session, you put the work into the bank and draw from that for games. You understand why you do it; for the love of sport and the love of the game.
What have been your proudest moments in rugby?
Do you have a pre-match song you always listen to?
Not really, no. Hannah Beattie mentioned in her interview about being the team DJ playing music on the speaker. Whatever is going, I’m happy! During warm-up, I take myself off to have a few minutes to myself and run through backs’ calls in my head. We just keep things light and have a laugh with each other. I get in my own head sometimes which can affect my performance if I start to question myself. If I keep it light and tell myself it’s just another game and not to worry who we’re playing, I know I’ll be fine.
What are your rugby aspirations?
At the minute, my focus is to get back playing. Of course, I want to dream big but it’s important to be realistic. I know I’ve got a huge mountain to climb to get back playing, so for now I’m working on my match fitness and then I’ll fight for my starting position again at Malone. Once I’m back playing for Malone, hopefully things will progress from there and I can get a few more caps for Ulster. That would be fantastic.
Holly is also an accomplished athlete[/caption]
Who have been your main influences in your rugby career?
What barriers have you had to overcome to reach this point?
I’m facing quite a big barrier at the moment. In November, I got injured quite badly, breaking my leg and my ankle. I had surgery to put pins and plates in and was non-weight-bearing for three months, which took me to March. Unfortunately, I picked up an infection on one of the wounds and needed more surgery and antibiotics. We thought it was clear but the infection returned and I needed another surgery. That’s what I’m facing at the moment; it’s been challenging and I’ve had some good and bad days. I’ve told myself that lockdown has been a blessing in disguise because I was injured and missing rugby anyway, but with rugby suspended, all the other girls were in the same boat. It allowed me to take the time to improve myself. I’m still going through physiotherapy and check-ups but I’m getting there, slowly but surely!
Another barrier throughout my sporting career has been a lack of self-confidence and belief in my own ability. I’ve always had that in the back of my head but my family have been so supportive of me. My mum knows me better than I do sometimes, so it’s nice to come home and talk things out with her.
The same applies to my coaches; my coach Grace (Davitt) has been great at giving feedback and communicating. I’ve learned I can take things on board better now. Last year, we moved up to the All-Ireland League which was a big jump for us as a team. The experience of playing alongside internationals is fantastic. Having Grace there and all that experience from her rugby career, bringing that into her coaching is brilliant. We’re able to have a laugh with her and it makes rugby more enjoyable. I can relate to her as a back; she’s been there, done that at the highest level. It’s nice to be able to bounce ideas off her.
What have you been up to in the last few months?
I’ve mainly been focusing on rehab on my ankle. There have been restrictions on access to physio and hospital appointments but now with those restrictions being lifted, I can access them easier. I’ve been doing as much as I can at home to get back. It can be quite boring doing the exercises over and over, but I know if I don’t work at it, the outcome won’t be as good. I’ve found that linking in with the girls in the squad has helped. Diesel (Paul Heasley) has sent out a strength and conditioning programme that we can do at home.
Aside from that, I’ve been walking the dog which has been good exercise for me; getting those muscles going. I’ve been doing a bit of baking like everyone else! We re-decorated all the rooms upstairs in our house to keep us busy. My brother got married during lockdown which will be something to talk about in the years to come! He has moved out now, so the house is a bit quieter without him.
How do you stay motivated?
When I got injured, I knew it would take a while to come back, but I didn’t expect it to be this extent. It was difficult for me to get my head around but I’ve been taking it one day at a time, particularly in the early stages. I didn’t know what was happening so I took every small improvement as a victory.
I’m starting to get back to the gym and training sessions and I’m just happy to be there. I’m not focusing too much on when I’ll be able to play my next match. It’s been difficult to stay motivated at times but I’ve had some great days. I’ve kept a progress diary with my exercises which is great to look back on because I can see the improvements I’ve made, even if it’s something as small as doing two more reps in a set, it’s progress. I’ve been keeping in touch with the girls at Malone who have been incredible. It’s lovely to have their support. When I got back to training, they were amazed at how far I had come. It gave me a huge lift.
As I mentioned before, my family has been brilliant too. They ask me if I’ve done my rehab for the day and keep pushing me on.
Have you got any tips on keeping fit and healthy eating?
I’m still living at home so I don’t do much cooking! I’m thankful I still get dinner made for me. During lockdown, I did help out with baking. Being active and being an athlete, I would say you can have a little of everything. You can have a treat day but make sure you’re getting your protein after training or playing for recovery. My mum is always telling me, “recovery food!".
As for keeping fit, just do a bit here and there and don’t go overboard, especially if you’re new to it. For me, coming back from injury, I don’t want to overdo it because it could prolong my recovery. Just take it bit-by-bit and try to go a little further each session.
[video width="848" height="480" mp4="https://www.ulsterrugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Holly-garden-circuits.mp4"][/video]
Family circuits in the garden
What do you do to relax?
During lockdown, I was off my feet so I started watching ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and got hooked on it. I binge-watched all fifteen series! I love to be by the sea, so any chance I get, I’d take the dog or go myself to the beach for a walk and fresh air.
Have you got any streaming or book recommendations?
I have been reading up on other athletes and the phycological side of sport; how they improve themselves and taking those tips on board. Bryant and his mentality are fascinating. The mental side has as much of an impact as the physical on an athlete. I have some time on my hands now to focus and learn about the psychological side of sport as I go through rehab.
What has been the best advice you’ve received?
My mum has always said to us that we’ll obviously have bad days and it will be hard training on cold, wet nights during the winter, and the minute you stop enjoying what you’re doing, you need to question why you’re doing it. It’s important to realise that sport is a hobby for most people. This isn’t a professional sport here so we’re spending our own time outside work and other commitments to play rugby. It’s hard winter training and the same in rugby; pre-season is really tough. Sometimes you have to grin and bear it, but you know the work will pay off. Every session, you put the work into the bank and draw from that for games. You understand why you do it; for the love of sport and the love of the game.
What have been your proudest moments in rugby?
Do you have a pre-match song you always listen to?
Not really, no. Hannah Beattie mentioned in her interview about being the team DJ playing music on the speaker. Whatever is going, I’m happy! During warm-up, I take myself off to have a few minutes to myself and run through backs’ calls in my head. We just keep things light and have a laugh with each other. I get in my own head sometimes which can affect my performance if I start to question myself. If I keep it light and tell myself it’s just another game and not to worry who we’re playing, I know I’ll be fine.
What are your rugby aspirations?
At the minute, my focus is to get back playing. Of course, I want to dream big but it’s important to be realistic. I know I’ve got a huge mountain to climb to get back playing, so for now I’m working on my match fitness and then I’ll fight for my starting position again at Malone. Once I’m back playing for Malone, hopefully things will progress from there and I can get a few more caps for Ulster. That would be fantastic.