At 37, Krystal has been playing rugby for just 20 months, but she has already found herself firmly at home in the Eastbourne RFC women’s team. Playing in the second row, she is heading into her second full season after being persuaded to attend her very first training session by her closest friend.

“I was dragged down to a training session by my closest friend,” Krystal admits. “And I’ve been here ever since!”

Away from rugby, life is certainly busy. Krystal works for Sen Ta and is also mum to five - so finding time to pull on the boots is no small commitment.

But ask her what she enjoys most about rugby and the answer says a lot about why she keeps coming back.

**“The friendship and community amongst the women,”** she says. “Even the opposition after a game are lovely and supportive.”

That sense of camaraderie is clearly a big part of Krystal’s rugby experience. And while she has only been playing for 20 months, she already has a favourite club memory: the first time she caught the ball from a kick against Heathfield and took off with it.

Every player remembers their first big moment. That one clearly sticks with Krystal!

Krystal's Quick Fire

Favourite professional player? Marley Packer.
Funniest player in the squad? Immy — “always witty and having a laugh.”
If you weren't playing rugby? Swimming or cricket.
Best nickname in the squad? Josie, aka Whippet because she is fast!
And what does Krystal love about being part of the women’s team? Quite simply, it’s the people. The friendships, the laughs, the competition and the feeling of being part of something bigger.

MEET THE SPONSOR: CLEAR SURVEYS

While Krystal has found her team at Eastbourne RFC, Clear Surveys has built its business around helping people understand the buildings they live and work in.

Clear Surveys is a building surveying business specialising in defect surveys - identifying what is wrong with a building and, importantly, explaining the best long-term way to put it right without unnecessary expense.

The business supports homebuyers and businesses purchasing or leasing premises, as well as clients involved in building projects from the planning stage right through to completion.

Managing Director, Ben Clear, started the business while still running his family construction firm.

“Clear Surveys was initially just a small idea about how we could help existing clients,” he explains. “But it quickly outgrew the construction business and now helps clients across the South East, delivering small and large surveys and projects.”

For Ben, one of the best things about running a local business is the people behind it.

“I enjoy the connections to other local businesses and their people. There is a thriving business community in Eastbourne, and when great businesses work together, they can achieve really remarkable things for their clients and the wider community.”

That sense of community is also at the heart of why Clear Surveys supports local sport.

“We believe in supporting local sport for all,” says Ben. “Sport reminds us how to be respectful while still competing hard.”

Equality is another value that matters to Ben, both personally and professionally.

“I was raised to seek out equality for all. We practice this in our business and at home, where having three daughters keeps me focused on equal opportunities - not just on the field, but very much off it too!”

It makes Clear Surveys a fitting sponsor for Eastbourne RFC’s women’s team, where competition, friendship, inclusion and community all go hand in hand.

Find out more

Clear Surveys offers a range of surveying and project services, alongside a commitment to supporting good causes, sustainable working practices and providing free damp surveys for low-income families.

You can find out more about Clear Surveys and book a fixed-price home survey online at clearsurveys.co.uk

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