Forged in Rugby: The Erica Kissinger Story

Photo Credit: @CardiffMetSport/Carl Robertson

“Rugby means family to me. It has always been a place where I know I belong. It is a global community and a safe space where you can truly be yourself. No matter where you are from or what your background is, rugby brings people together.

Coming back from my ACL injury has made me reflect even more on what the sport means to me. It is more than just a game. It has shaped who I am. It teaches resilience, discipline and teamwork. It gives you a support system that stretches far beyond the pitch.”

Driven by passion and shaped by determination, Erica Kissinger’s journey is one worth exploring. Let’s dive in.

Celina Rugby

No matter how far you go in the game, whether you are an international star or running out for your local club, every story has to start somewhere. For Kissinger, her rugby career began at Celina Rugby Club. It’s at clubs like this that a lifelong love for rugby is fostered – a game that has taken Kissinger across the globe. That club in Texas was the catalys for the journey. She talks about the club, and you can tell it means a lot to her.

“Celina Rugby Club will always hold a special place in my heart because it is where everything started. It was my first club. I began playing there with my brother, coached by my dad, and later my little sister came through as well. It is not just the foundation of my rugby journey, but also a big part of my family’s story.

“The club has also been important for growing the game in Texas. I was part of one of the first middle school girls’ rugby teams to play in Texas. That was a huge step for girls’ rugby in the state. Although the girls’ side is no longer running due to numbers, the impact it had on young players, including me, will always matter. It built confidence, community and opportunity.”

Building on foundations laid at Celina, the American headed to the MacDowell Rugby Academy to sharpen her skill set. When it was time for university, she travelled to Wales.

Cardiff Met

When she arrived at Cyncoed in 2023, a new chapter began. From that moment on, her game evolved, improving with each performance. Cardiff Met is an institution known for helping promising talents on their journey. Kissinger has already achieved tremendous success at the university, most notably securing last year’s Super BUCS title. That day at Rodney Parade, the Archers edged out Loughborough to secure a 30–29 victory in a historic win. Kissinger talks about how Cardiff Met has helped her development.

“Cardiff Met has been one of the best decisions I have made for my rugby career. Before coming here, I spent two years at MacDowell Rugby Academy in Canada, where I developed key skills and realised I wanted to push for the elite level.

“At Cardiff Met, I have taken another big step forward. Fifteens rugby here is played at a very high level. I have always known that fifteens is where I see my future. I came in as a prop and transitioned into hooker, which has helped me grow technically and tactically.

“Beyond skills, Cardiff Met has given me an environment where everyone takes their sport seriously. The coaches have created a culture where you feel mentally and physically supported. Being surrounded by driven athletes every day pushes me to improve constantly.”

Greatness in sport is built on sacrifice and bold decisions. By taking her talents to Wales, Kissinger showed her willingness to chase growth wherever it leads, and she speaks about life in Cardiff.

“Yes, I am really enjoying playing in Wales. It is a step up physically from what I experienced in Canada and America. The game here is more demanding, both physically and technically.

“The intensity has helped me grow as a player. You have to execute skills under pressure, and that challenge has developed me more than anything else. I believe every player should experience rugby in an environment like this at some point in their career.”

Every rugby player dreams of representing their nation, and Kissinger is on the path to realising that dream.

International stage

It must be an unreal experience running out for one’s nation. Coming through the USA pathways, she has made appearances for the USA U20s. Kissinger competed in the 2024 Transatlantic Series in Cardiff. The Cardiff Met player talks about what it means to play for her nation.

“Representing my country is something I cannot fully put into words. It was incredibly special, especially doing it in Cardiff while playing against girls I train with and know well.

“Standing for the national anthem and hearing it played gave me chills. Looking across the field and seeing familiar faces made it even more meaningful. It was a magical experience and one of the proudest moments of my life so far.”

Kissinger is a talented player; it will be fascinating to see what the future holds for her.

“My long-term ambition is to play in a Rugby World Cup for the USA Women. That has been my dream since I was in third grade. The ultimate goal is to play alongside my sister on that stage.

“Although I am currently facing a setback with my ACL injury, I see this as part of the journey. It is an opportunity to grow stronger mentally and physically. I am determined to come back better, continue developing my skills and push myself every day to reach that World Cup squad.”

A World Cup sits firmly in her sights, the ultimate stage for any player. With hunger and belief guiding her path, she is chasing something far greater than just appearances.

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Family, Rugby, and Belonging: The Story of Dominiko Manaseitava

Image credit: @CardiffMetSport/Carl Robertson

“It’s truly a sense of belonging.”

 That was Cardiff Met’s Dominiko Manaseitava talking about what rugby truly means to him. We all search for outlets that bring joy and allow us to be our best selves. For the players who take to the pitch, rugby provides the platform to do just that. Manaseitava, looking to play the game to the best of his abilities, has a deep passion for rugby.

Beginning

His father, Tevita Manaseitava, moved to Wales from Fiji. He represented sides like Pyle RFC and the Bridgend Bulls. Manaseitava produced some memorable moments for those teams, in particular a great assist against the Newport Titans. The game turned on a spark of brilliance, as Manaseitava read the play, intercepted, and surged through the Newport defence. His perfectly weighted offload to Arran Warner sealed a commanding victory for Bridgend.

Hailing from Bridgend, where rugby is ingrained in the fabric of the place, Dom Manaseitava learned the game. He did so across the country at historic clubs, developing his fundamentals at Bridgend Sports and Kenfig Hill. What is learned on cold Sundays goes a long way towards shaping who a player becomes. Manaseitava also attended Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd, a school that was home to the likes of Dewi Lake, Owen Watkin, and Tom Florence.

Passion and joy define youth rugby, where the love of the game is cemented. For him, those formative moments came at Porthcawl RFC.

Youth rugby at Porthcawl RFC

During the youth years, rugby becomes deeply embedded in a player’s being. The camaraderie and team spirit over those formative years represent what rugby is all about. As stated before, Porthcawl is where Manaseitava played his youth rugby. In the crowded Bridgend rugby scene, clubs like Porthcawl are often overlooked. But the history tells a different story: a club forged in grit and pride, producing British & Irish Lions and thriving on the art of punching above its weight. Following in the footsteps of fantastic competitors such as Clive Williams, Daffydd Jenkins, and Tom Prydie, Manaseitava represented Porthcawl. He talks about the club.

“We were all really good mates, good coaches, all really enjoyable. We were a good team, and that makes it enjoyable when you are winning games. We had excellent coaches, the likes of Ryan Bevington and Simon Norris, who really helped my game.”

It was a good team that was very difficult to beat. Simon Norris talks about the team, and how a moment from a budding Welsh international denied them a spot in the Ospreys Premiership.

“That team had some very talented players in it, along with Dom. There was Sol Kembrey, a flanker named Ongani Kalongo who represented Boys’ Clubs of Wales that season — they went on to win the Ospreys Championshipthat season, not losing a game. We just missed out on a place in the Ospreys Premiership thanks to a last-minute drop goal from a certain Dan Edwards.”

When it was time to choose a university, Manaseitava decided that Cardiff Met was the right fit for him.

Cardiff Met

Cardiff Met’s rugby programme has grown into a proving ground, a place where ambition is sharpened and emerging talent is pushed to new levels. Its reputation has been built on development and belief. 2022 marked his arrival at Cyncoed Campus. During his university career, he has competed in both Super BUCS and the Welsh domestic leagues. Facing the UK’s next generation on Wednesdays and iconic Welsh sides like Pontypridd, Merthyr, or Cross Keys on Saturdays quickly builds a wealth of experience.

Recently, Manaseitava took to the Arms Park, starting in the famous ‘Cardiff Clash’, where Cardiff Met beat Cardiff University 31–29, backing up a 56-28 earlier in the season. Cardiff Met means a lot to Manaseitava; he elaborates on his love for the university and playing in two high-level competitions.

“It’s the closest thing to a professional set-up. The access we have is incredible. From analysis to coaching, it’s great. BUCS is fast-paced. Compared to the Welsh Premiership, which is a bit more physical. That’s where you have to front, as a player and a team.”

Cardiff Met proved to be a stellar place to develop one’s rugby. Looking towards the future, it’s all about enjoyment for Manaseitava.

“I will keep enjoying the process, and I will take the opportunities if they arise, but it’s all about enjoyment.”

Built on family and fuelled by joy, Manaseitava plays the game for the purest reasons.

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Ben Murphy’s Journey to the Arms Park

Image credit: @CardiffMetSport/ Carl Robertson

Now that the new year is upon us, it’s a fresh start. Everybody is looking to put forward the best versions of themselves. When it comes to rugby, each player will be looking to give their all to a club, no matter the level. At the Arms Park, Ben Murphy will be hunting for impact with the iconic Cardiff RFC. From strong foundations to new challenges, his journey through the game has been rich with experience. Now, he looks ahead to adding another meaningful chapter to his rugby story.

Foundations

“Rugby, to me, is one of the most important things in my life. It’s been a part of my life since I stepped on a field at three or four years old, and since then it has always given me direction and purpose. I think no matter what happens in my career, it will always be a part of my life in some shape or form.”

Like many people who pick up a rugby ball, Murphy’s love for the game is evident. Of course, everybody starts somewhere. For Murphy, his love for the game began to blossom at King Edward’s Five Ways. It’s at clubs like this where young players learn rugby, not just the fundamentals like passing, kicking or tackling, but what makes the sport so special — things like teamwork, community and a deep passion. Murphy elaborates on his time at the club.

“My time playing with King Edward’s Five Ways will always be a special time for me. While a lot of my team-mates went down very different paths in all aspects of life, rugby at Five Ways always gives us some good laughs over a beer when we get the chance to meet up. Additionally, it was a huge part of building my confidence within the game. It’s where I started realising I could stand out and had some talent. My coaches, Mr Evans and Ollie Thomas, helped me realise my potential within rugby, and I’ll always be thankful for that.”

His talent was clear to see, and it didn’t take long for him to appear on Worcester’s radar.

Worcester Warriors

His development took shape at the Worcester Warriors Academy, where he trained daily in a Premiership-standard environment designed for elite rugby. Throughout his time at Worcester, he gained senior match experience with Luctonians RFC and Hartpury RFC. In 2021, he ran out for the Warriors in a Premiership Rugby Cup game against Gloucester, and that season the trophy was brought to Sixways. His spell at Worcester offered a priceless education, as he learned his trade alongside experienced professionals of the game. Murphy reflected on his time at Worcester.

“Being a part of Worcester Warriors was an interesting part of my career. The first year was a shock to the system. My season was purely training, and I got virtually no minutes under my belt all year. It was a frustrating time, but also a period where I felt my understanding of the game and my rugby ability improved by leaps and bounds. I think a huge part of that was my academy coach, Mike Hill, who was always making sure we were on top of our extras and learning. My second year was probably more enjoyable, being able to start playing again and getting some good game time at Luctonians (which will always be a special club to me), as well as making my Prem Cup debut against Gloucester in front of an almost sold-out crowd. Even though it never worked out for me there, the improvements I made were massive, and I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity.”

Once that chapter ended, Murphy was in search of new opportunities. This was when he moved to Cyncoed Campus.

Cardiff Met

Image credit: @CardiffMetSport/ Carl Robertson

When thinking about professional establishments outside of the pro game, you would be hard-pressed to find better facilities — a place known for helping to nurture top-tier rugby talent. Players like Alex Cuthbert, Aaron Wainwright and Alex Dombrandt have all graced the pitches of Cyncoed.

Murphy enjoyed a fruitful spell at the university, where he competed in Super BUCS and the Welsh domestic league. His leadership qualities shone throughout the prop’s time at Cardiff. As captain, Murphy led the side through several major contests. A prime example of this was Cardiff Met’s monumental comeback against Bath, which secured a spot in the semi-finals of the 2024/25 competition. Over the course of his Met spell, Murphy made a name for himself with his work rate and consistency. Murphy credits Cardiff Met for helping him develop.

“Cardiff Met was huge for me. After being let go from Worcester Warriors, I felt like I’d lost a part of my identity, and my love for rugby felt like it was fading. Cardiff Met allowed me to enjoy rugby again and massively boosted my confidence. Those three years will probably always be my favourite years in rugby.”

His spell at Cardiff Met ended before he made the short move to the Arms Park. A new challenge awaited.

Cardiff RFC

Murphy arrived at the Arms Park at the start of the 2025/26 season. Competing in the Super Rygbi Cymru, he has made appearances for the historic side. The prop made his first start against RGC and has featured in matchday squads regularly this season. Cardiff currently sit fourth in the table with 45 points, amassing seven wins and five losses. There is no doubt Murphy will give his all to help Cardiff achieve some big results. He talks about how much it means to play in the Welsh capital.

“Playing for Cardiff RFC is a massive honour for me. My dad’s from Cardiff, and he always tells me how he and his mates used to be big fans of the club. For me to be able to put on the shirt and have him watch me gives me a huge sense of pride and adds serious weight to it. He was telling me how, when his mates came to watch me with him, they were nudging him and saying his son’s a Cardiff RFC player now. I think it’s class that I have the opportunity to do this.”

A player of Murphy’s quality, the sky is the limit as he works towards the goal of becoming a professional player.

“Looking to the future, I’d love to get a professional contract. Having rugby as my career has been my dream since I was a kid, so I still hope that the opportunity comes my way if I’m playing well. And if not, then I think I’d use rugby to my advantage and try to play abroad for a few seasons. For now, though, I’m just going to keep my head down and try to perform at my best this year.”

Enriched by family and fuelled by passion, his journey reflects everything the game stands for — chasing big ambitions. The future is full of possibilities.

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From The Netherlands to Cardiff: The Making of Maxime van Hilst

Image credit: NL Rugby shots

Courage. It’s a powerful word and can take many forms throughout the long, winding road of life. Chasing one’s dream takes a lot of courage. Maxime van Hilst is hunting down his dreams with unwavering commitment—a young player looking to leave his mark on the rugby world. Van Hilst has a great story; let’s dive into it.

The Beginning

Van Hilst comes from an athletic family. It was his babysitter who introduced him to rugby, a catalyst that sparked a lifelong love. The passion for the game was clear from the start, as he enrolled at the Rugby Academy high school. His development demanded commitment, training four times a week at the academy during school hours. On top of that, he continued to sharpen his game with twice-weekly sessions at his local club, RC ’t Gooi.

At RC ’t Gooi, van Hilst got his first taste of silverware, winning the Dutch National Championship and scoring a try in the process. His early days laid a foundation for a steadfast love for the game. Van Hilst talks about the beginning of his rugby journey and what the game means to him.

“It all started when I began playing rugby at five years old because of my babysitter. From that moment on, I just continued playing. Then, at the age of 12, I started taking it a bit more seriously through the rugby academy, and from there I kept playing more and more competitively.”

As his talent shone, van Hilst moved to the UK.

Cardiff Met

Watch van Hilst go over the line at 2:20

“At 17, I went to Manchester to try and take it to the next level. I did a year of rugby there and then transferred to Cardiff Met. The last three years have been great.”

Van Hilst found himself at the Cyncoed campus, following in the footsteps of some impressive players. Cardiff Met has a stellar reputation for helping young players become the best they can be. The scrum-half has amassed game time in both the Super BUCS and the Welsh domestic leagues. He has had standout performances in matches against Leeds Beckett University and in derbies against Cardiff University at the Arms Park. Time spent at Cardiff Met has clearly refined van Hilst’s craft, sharpening his physical edge and all-round skill. Surrounded by elite standards and constant challenges, his game has grown with purpose and confidence.

“Cardiff Met has been very, very crucial to my development. When I was in Manchester, I felt like I could go to a higher level, train at a higher level, and play at a higher level. I wanted that professionalism, and that’s what Cardiff Met offered. I came to Cardiff Met through my national team. I was in Manchester, looking at Super BUCS universities to play at a higher level, and I ended up choosing Cardiff Met. From that moment on, it’s just been amazing.

“From my first pre-season in my first year until now, I’ve learned loads and played at a high level, alongside players who have played at a high level. The coaching has been massive as well. Over my three years, I’ve worked with phenomenal coaches. Being able to ask questions and gain experience from people like that has been really valuable. They offer loads of support across everything.”

Van Hilst also talks about what it’s like to play rugby in Wales.

“I’m loving playing in Wales. Grounds like Cardiff Arms Park are incredible, and playing places like Neath away was a really cool experience for me. Rugby is such a huge part of Welsh culture, unlike in the Netherlands, so it was a big cultural shift. I love how everyone goes to rugby games and how important rugby is here. I’ve loved living in Wales, and everyone has been so welcoming and supportive throughout the experience so far.”

Senior rugby has already tested van Hilst, and he has met the challenge head-on. Pulling on his country’s jersey only adds a sense of promise to his journey.

International experience

The Cardiff Met scrum-half has been a consistent presence throughout the Netherlands junior set-ups. 2024 marked his senior debut, taking on Poland, where it didn’t take him long to make an impact. In the same campaign, he was capped against Germany. Van Hilst talked about what it meant to represent his country.

“Representing my country was unbelievable. It was quite a surprise because it was a late call-up. I had been training with the squad, but two years ago I got called up for a home game, which made it extra special. It was in front of a crowd, and rugby in the Netherlands is a small world—everyone knows each other, and if you’re doing well, people know your name. Playing in front of a home crowd, with people I’d played with and against in the stands, as well as coaches there, was really special. I got loads of messages after the game, which was a very cool experience.

“My second game was in France, in Paris, in a big stadium. At the time, that was something I hadn’t really experienced before, so that was also really cool and something I want to do more of in the future. That’s a big ambition of mine.”

As rugby in the Netherlands grows, van Hilst will be a big part of its future.

“Looking to the future, my ambition is to sign a professional contract in the UK after university, which would be after this year. My main goal is to become a leader and one of the best Dutch players to have played the game. If I could sign professionally somewhere like the Premiership, I think I’d be the first Dutch player to do so, and that’s something I really look at as an ambition. I’d love to become a kind of Dutch rugby legend. It might sound a bit strange, but I think it would be really cool—for my club, my old club, and all the coaches who’ve helped me along the way. It would just be amazing to actually make it. Those are my ambitions, and we’ll see how it goes.”

Van Hilst has big ambitions, and with his talent, he is well on his way to achieving them. Driven by ambition and a hunger to leave his mark, van Hilst’s pursuit of greatness is only just beginning. Wherever the path leads, the future promises to be special.

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