Meet Josie Chambers – finding her place on the rugby pitch

For some people, rugby is a sport they grow up playing. For others, it’s something they discover later in life – and find it gives them far more than just a new hobby.

For Eastbourne Women’s winger Josie Chambers, rugby has been a part of her life for just two years, but it’s already given her a place to belong, a team to be part of and some brilliant memories along the way.

At 25, Josie took up rugby looking for something she genuinely enjoyed, explaining that she wanted to find a hobby that would help her “find myself again”. Two years on, she’s still at Eastbourne RFC, and it’s clear that the people around her are a huge part of why she loves the game.

Making memories and friendships

Josie didn’t have to wait long for a memorable rugby moment. Her best experience so far? Scoring a try in her very first game!

“The family atmosphere, the team moral and the support we give each other” are what Josie loves most about playing for Eastbourne.

And that support doesn’t disappear when the final whistle goes. For Josie, one of the best things about match day is the atmosphere afterwards.

“Despite the score, the energy is amazing and the sportsmanship is incredible.”

It’s a reminder that rugby is about much more than the result – it’s about the friendships, the shared experiences and the people who make every match day special.

From Sleeping With Sirens to the 200m sprint

Of course, every winger needs a little speed, and Josie might have a few alternative sporting options if rugby ever gets boring!

If she weren’t playing rugby, she’d choose the 200m sprint – perhaps not the worst option for someone who spends her weekends racing down the touchline.

Her pre-match soundtrack is The Bomb Dot Com V2.0 by Sleeping With Sirens, giving her the perfect musical build-up before kick-off.

Away from rugby, Josie describes her routine as “Eat, Sleep, Work, Repeat”. But she also has a rather unexpected hidden talent: she can lick her elbow!

We’ll leave that one for the next team social to investigate.

Meet the Sponsor – Ginger & Sanders

Ginger & Sanders will already be familiar to Eastbourne Rugby Club followers, having featured in our Meet the Player, Meet the Sponsor series with Scarlett Sanders. This season, they’re continuing to show their support for the women’s team by sponsoring multiple players.

Rather than simply shining the spotlight on the business again, Josie’s feature is a chance to celebrate what that support means for the wider women’s squad – and the importance of local businesses getting behind women's rugby.

Player sponsorship helps strengthen the connection between Eastbourne Rugby Club and the businesses in its community. It gives players recognition, helps the club build lasting relationships with local organisations and shows the women’s team that their contribution matters.

With Josie highlighting the family atmosphere, team spirit and encouragement that make Eastbourne special, that community connection feels particularly fitting.

Ginger & Sanders’ continued backing of the women’s team is a welcome example of support that reaches beyond an individual player and helps champion the squad as a whole.

A big thank you to Ginger & Sanders for supporting Josie and Eastbourne Women this season!