My name is George Perris-Redding. I play back row, number seven, for Sale Sharks Women and the USA national team.
My journey into rugby was a little different. I started playing with the boys at my local club. I guess I was pretty lucky because I was so young when I joined an all-boys team. Even then, I understood the challenges of being the only girl. That experience eventually led me to quit rugby. To be honest, I didn’t last long—maybe a couple of seasons.
After leaving rugby, I picked up trampolining and eventually moved on to gymnastics. I ended up doing gymnastics for about ten years. It’s funny because gymnastics is such a graceful and elegant sport, and it’s hard to imagine how I transitioned back to rugby, but somehow, I found my way.
I realized over time that I was too aggressive for other team sports, like netball. I kept getting sent off, and it got boring fast. That’s when I rediscovered rugby. A local RFU community coach named Jules reintroduced me to the game, and I owe him for getting me hooked again.
My club journey started with my local team, where I played for a season or two. I spoke with a local championship coach, and she told me she saw potential in me. She invited me to play for Waterloo, and that’s how it all began. From there, I played for them and eventually got promoted to the Premiership a year later. That was the beginning of my Premiership journey, and I’ve been playing in the league ever since. This is now my fourth year with Sale Sharks.
I don’t remember exactly how long I’ve been wearing OPRO mouthguards, but I got my first Sale Sharks mouthguard when I signed with the team four years ago. It’s comforting to know my teeth are protected, and honestly, while a mouthguard might not be the most attractive thing, it’s definitely better than losing teeth. (Not sure if you want to include that, but it’s true!)
My USA career took off quickly. A couple of years before I was capped, I had some conversations with the head coach. At the time, I was playing a different position, but when the coach reached out to see if I was interested, I jumped at the opportunity. I played my first game, and things snowballed from there. That same year, I went to the World Cup. It all happened so fast, but I’ve loved every moment of the journey so far. There have been plenty of challenges, but it’s been an incredible experience.
As for my playing style, I’ve had to adapt in some unique ways. A back row, especially a number seven, is typically one of the bigger, stronger, more physical players on the field. I don’t fit that mold—I’m smaller than most players in my position. Because of that, I’ve had to rely on my speed, agility, and dynamic play. My size has been a challenge, but it’s also pushed me to play differently and stand out.
There have been countless times I’ve been on the ground during a game, grateful for the protection of my mouthguard. Rugby is getting tougher; players are stronger, and the hits are more brutal. I’ve taken some big hits, including high tackles and impacts to my teeth and face, but my OPRO gumshield has always given me confidence and comfort. I still have all my teeth, so it must be working!
When I think about the future of women’s rugby, I hope it becomes more accessible for girls everywhere, regardless of their background or where they come from. I want rugby to be an option in schools and for it to follow the path of women’s soccer, becoming more professional. We’re already seeing progress with teams like the Red Roses and other international squads leading the way, offering contracts to their players. I hope we can bring that level of professionalism to the league so that women can truly call rugby their career. The players work incredibly hard, and I believe that one day, their dedication will pay off.
