Born and raised in London before moving to the Reading area for work, on first sighting Dani Watts, the famed Dani Forward Siren of social media, looks like a stereotypical back. Dani’s height and stature combined with her speed would lead you to think her contribution would be scorching runs down the wing. Yet when you see videos of her training at the David Lloyd gym where she works as a personal trainer you realise there is something else going on. Despite being one of the fastest players in the squad, Dani is about more than just speed.

The strength she displays in her sled push, the explosive power when wearing boxing gloves, her comments about the off season “I plan on lifting more weights”. Each of these reveal Dani to be a person who is tough enough to fight for the ball in every ruck and yet has the abilities to contribute as an 8th back in broken play. In essence, Dani is the epitome of a modern flanker.

Dani’s ability to contribute on the rugby field was encapsulated in the game against Bracknell. On a day in which every Siren shone brightly Dani managed to shine brighter than most in a player of the match winning display. Not only was she tough, abrasive and destructive at the ruck but she also scored 11 points on the day, the second highest individual points haul for a Siren. In scoring her only try Dani showed that she would not have been out of place if she had been playing amongst the backs. Meanwhile her 3 conversions made her the best kicker on display for either team. Yes, as well as everything else, Dani was also the Siren’s kicker.

Now, a week after the Bracknell game, Dani agreed to sit down and talk about her life in rugby.

You’ve not always been a rugby player, what got you into playing?
I have a very persuasive friend who is also like my right arm, SJ (SJ Garside, fellow Siren and physio for the Redingensians Centaurs)

You kicked 3 conversions on Sunday. Given you have no background in rugby how did you get to be such a good kicker?
I used to be the set play kicker in previous football teams. Maybe it's just my magic size 3 feet.

How does it feel to be a Siren?
Rugby came into my life when life wasn’t going to well. It was a much appreciated and needed distraction.

What do you like about rugby?
I love rugby, I had never really understood the fascination, until I played it myself. It's just everything wrapped in one game.

What has been your favourite moment as a Siren so far?
Walking out on the pitch with my teammates at Bracknell and well politely smashing them like ladies who play rugby.

What are your rugby ambitions?
To continue to develop and just enjoy it.

What would you say to other women who are thinking about playing rugby?
DO IT!! it's an amazing sport and there is a position for everyone to play!! Best sport I've played by far!!

Dani Watts was talking to Geraint Lewis.