Beyond the Scrum

Episode 4: "Good Rugby is Good Rugby"

Jenna Shackleton — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 12:47:58 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Scrum, I sit down with rugby coach George Cliffe to explore what coaches really need to know about the menstrual cycle and female athletes. We discuss how periods and symptoms can affect training, why every athlete responds differently, and how coaches can create an environment where players feel comfortable speaking up.

Whilst challenge the assumptions surrounding female athletes, we dive into menstrual health, confidence, injury prevention, individual differences, and why “good rugby is good rugby” shouldn’t come with lower expectations for girls.

From breaking the taboo around periods to understanding when not to treat female players differently, this conversation explores what coaches can do to create a more informed, supportive and ambitious environment for women in rugby.

Because the question isn't whether female athletes can meet the standard — it's whether we're setting the right standard in the first place.

Episode 3: Train like a girl

Jenna Shackleton — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 16:35:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Scrum, I’m joined by Kylie Masur, a strength and conditioning coach, World Rugby educator and former UAE representative player. Kylie shares her journey from discovering rugby at 29 to working with female athletes and coaches in the UAE.

We talk honestly about her first experience with her period, how menstrual cycles can affect the way athletes feel and train, and whether “cycle syncing” is really necessary. We also explore female injury prevention, strength training, the importance of listening to your body, and whether women are getting the same opportunities and support within rugby.

But should being on your period actually change the way you train?

And are we sometimes focusing too much on the cycle instead of the individual?

Tune in to hear Kylie’s perspective on what it really takes to train, compete and develop as a female rugby player.Your cycle is part of the game — not the game plan. 🏉

Episode 2: What we weren't told

Jenna Shackleton — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 16:30:39 GMT

What happens when you grow up playing a sport that wasn’t originally designed with women in mind?

In this episode of Beyond the Scrum, I’m joined by Jess Weaver, an experienced elite-level rugby player who shares her journey from discovering rugby as a teenager to playing Premiership rugby and representing England Sevens.

We talk honestly about what it was like growing up as a girl in a male-dominated sport, getting her first period, and navigating training and competition while dealing with menstrual health. Jess also shares her experiences, the lack of understanding around the menstrual cycle when she was younger, and whether elite rugby environments are doing enough to support female athletes.

But how much are female athletes actually taught about their own bodies?

And what are we still not talking about?

This is the conversation we should have been having all along.

Episode 1: A conversation we never had

Jenna Shackleton — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 16:29:58 GMT

For years, I have played sports, yet no one ever explained how the menstrual cycle could influence my performance. In this opening episode, I share my own experiences and explore the science behind the four phases of the menstrual cycle, revealing how hormonal changes can affect energy, strength, recovery, mood, and injury risk. Together, we'll uncover why this conversation has been missing from women's sport for so long—and why understanding your body could be the key to unlocking your full potential on the pitch.