Player's portrait: Aurélie Brochard

*How old are you, where are you from and where do you work?*

I'm nearly 35, I'm from Normandy (not a rugby region) and I'm an advisor on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee for the Greens in the European Parliament.

*What's your sporting background?*

I did judo for many years, until I obtained my black belt. Judo taught me to be at ease with full contact, which is very useful in rugby. I also continue to play tennis on the side. I never played any team sport before I started parliamentary rugby.

*How come you decided to start rugby this year, since you only played individual sports before?*

First of all, it's a sport I really enjoy watching (Stade Toulousain forever). Every year, I follow the Six Nations with a group of friends.

The idea of joining the team popped up one evening, as I was chatting to Lise [another player on the team]. We looked at each other and said: "Why don't we join the team?" And that's how it started.

*What's your fondest memory so far?*

The weekend in Paris when we played against our French opponents, which was a great moment in the building of our team. After the final whistle, we all realised that we had already achieved our first big goal: to be one real, united team. And then the after party was also a blast, of course.

*How are you preparing for the World Cup?*

I run 3 times a week, usually in the morning (I'm also preparing for a half-marathon this October) and I do two workout sessions every week as part of my half-marathon preparation.

*Is it difficult to be a woman in a (for the time being) predominantly male rugby team?*

It can be frustrating at times, because the levels and sizes aren't the same. In the beginning, we had to assert ourselves. I imagine it's not always easy for the guys to be in mixed team either, especially as they have to be careful not to tackle girls and veterans [who wear coloured vests during games]. But I'm convinced that our mixed team is a real plus, because it highlights the fact that rugby isn't just a sport where you want to hit and tackle. On the contrary, communication and strategy are essential, and the fact that we can play together despite our physiological differences proves this.

*What are your expectations for the World Cup and beyond?*

To win all our games and to continue this adventure, for example by joining the Six Nations of Parliaments.