“I get excited when I get the ball, because I know I’m going to run through somebody!”
In her day job, Tori Moffett, is a Document Controller for a Building Contractor, carefully reviewing documents to make sure they meet the requirements of the client.
Outside of the office when she clocks off, her passion involves smashing into bodies and getting stuck into the depths of a scrum on a muddy pitch at the weekend for her local club.
A late comer to the sport at 25 years old, the now 29-year-old has just made a moment of history.
Last month against Ballynahinch RFC, Moffett became the first woman to reach 50 caps for Banbridge RFC.
To mark the occasion, her family were in attendance, and that’s despite her mother, Tina, wincing each time she watches her daughter charge into contact.
It was a match to remember for the front rower, as she scored a try in each half to help seal a comfortable 48-10 win over their club rivals at Rifle Park.
“It was a special day” she recalls, describing her milestone appearance.
“We had mascots running out with us and had the players’ children all come out with a great crowd. To score twice was perfect, both were the same play, a five-metre tap and go, and I just crashed my way over!”
Moffett added that her onlooking family were both ‘proud’ and ‘confused’ at the same time.
“It was class to have my mum, my sister and nephews all along. I wouldn’t call them sporty people and I’m not sure my mum enjoys watching me play, the last time she had watched me I actually tore ankle ligaments, so I think that put her off!”
Rugby was not a part of Moffett’s upbringing in her household, sharing that Doctor Who or Sci-Fi would have been on TV rather than any Six Nations or Rugby action.
Then came a life-changing moment, when a close friend encouraged her to give touch rugby a try down at Banbridge RFC.
Little did Moffett know at the time but it would turn out to be exactly the new, fresh passion she needed at what she describes as the most difficult time in her life.
“At the time I started to play rugby, I felt I was in the worst place in my head.
“I honestly feel like I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for rugby. I was going through a difficult time with my mental health, and it gave me something to feel passionate about and something to look forward to.
“I have the most amazing women around me and the best possible club, that makes you feel part of a family. It’s helped change my perspective on life.”
After giving the sport a try, she soon found herself thrust into the unique demands of learning how to scrummage and lift in the lineout.
“I had no clue what the positions were. My coach, Charlie Farrell, put me into prop and I liked it, I moved from loosehead to tighthead. I love being in scrums and now I couldn’t imagine being in another position.”
She would go on to be a key figure in the team, being named the Vice-Captain of the side and helping the club to secure their first Suzanne Fleming Cup after defeating Clogher Valley RFC back in 2024 at Affidea Stadium.
As well as training and preparing for the weekend’s matches, Moffett also helps coach the club’s U16 Girls side, sharing her experiences with the next generation of players.
Seeing the girls’ enthusiasm on the training field gives Moffett plenty of encouragement for the future of women’s rugby.
“I think you can see the growth in the game. A few years back I hardly knew anything about women’s rugby and now I’m watching the Interprovincial Championships every summer, the Celtic Challenge, the World Cup, and the Six Nations. I feel it’s blowing up and growing stronger!”
Moffett’s ambitions for the future include becoming the first woman to hit 100 appearances for her club and a dream of representing Ulster.
The Banbridge Vice- Captain has been attending an alignment camp, with the hopes of making into an extended squad for the summer.
“It would be a goal of mine to play for Ulster one day. If it doesn’t happen this summer, I’ll keep working at it. I would love to get one cap in before I’m 30 but if not, maybe one before 40 would be nice!”
'A credit to herself'
Her club has paid celebrated her milestone achievement, with Director of Rugby, Marc Eadie, paying a glowing tribute to her commitment and impact on the club.
“Tori has been a mainstay of the Women’s team since its formation five years ago. Week in, week out, through rain and hail, she turns up with a smile on her face and gives everything for the team. She is a credit to herself and the club. We hope she continues her journey to become our first Women’s Rugby centurion.”
With half a century of appearances now under her belt, Banbridge RFC’s most capped female player is encouraging anyone wanting to pick up something new to get involved with the sport.
“It doesn’t matter what age you are, your background, how much you have played or how you are feeling at that time, you are welcomed with open arms.
“There is a position for you, even if it’s just for training, you get the fitness benefits from it. I gave it a go, ran with it and here I am 50 matches later!”
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