RIGHT UP HER ALLEY

Chelsea Alley has just started a new job and she’s loving every minute.

It’s one she always dreamed of having, but also one she never really expected to get. However, it has clearly already given her a renewed energy and a different kind of determination.

Alley is one of 30 female players to begin 2022 with a full-time professional contract, the long-awaited evolution from the semi-pro conditions leading players have operated under for the past four years. It means no more 5am wake-ups to get to the gym before work, no more of the job-rugby-life juggle where something has to give, there’s attention to rehab and recovery and time to perfect their skills.

For Alley,