Rugby and the Truth-or-Not Game: A Chiefs Dinner to Remember 😀

May 23rd marked an annual rite of passage: the Chiefs' end-of-season dinner, a whirlwind of laughter, memories, and the kind of people who make you believe the world’s mostly good. This was either our third or fourth year attending, time has lost all meaning, and frankly, I’m no longer confident of much, but Im very confident that Kevin and Jo are national treasures. Kevin, in particular, is one of those rare souls who makes you feel like the world is still decent. After some unfortunate events with people, it’s comforting to remember that most people are kind and I'm very fortunate that I have some incredible friends in my life.

Kevin first introduced himself at the games by just… saying hi. Week after week. The simplest of gestures, but in today’s world? Practically heroic. From there, he welcomed us into the Chiefs superfan circle back when it felt like a happy, goofy rugby family, where everything was kindness and support! Yep, what its supposed to be about!

The dinner was especially magical this year. For once, the girls didn’t have a game the next day, so both girls and boys could finally let their hair down. The result? Pure, glorious chaos (in the best way).

Our table was a dream team: Maisy, Ebony, a very polite young male player whose name I shamefully forgot (sorry!), Kevin, Jo, and us, and some new lovely people, 2 couples. Between giggles, genuine chats, and sneaky game strategies, it felt like the rugby spirit was alive and well.

Speaking of strategy: Kevin and I somehow crushed the “True or False” game, despite my hand shaking like I’d just downed four espressos and been asked to perform Shakespeare in front of a crowd. We made it to the finals, which involved marching up in front of hundreds of people. Kevin was cool as ever. I was a borderline wreck. No alcohol for courage either, I don’t drink. (Unless you count my two annual Tia Maria and Diet Cokes at Christmas. Hardcore, I know.)

One especially lovely moment? Maisy confiding that she’s staying on with the club. I was so relieved. I was sworn to secrecy, and if there’s one thing I take pride in, besides being honest, it's never spilling a secret. Her whole family is fantastic, especially her mum Michelle, who’s been kind from the get-go, and her sister, who’s also a superhero. She’s in the Army, so its great to chat with her about how Army life has changed since I served.

But the night wasn't all glitter and giggles. We’re losing some incredible players this year, Poppy and Ebony among them, and the reasons are heartbreaking. I won’t go into it here, but trust me when I say they deserved far better. They’ve given so much to the sport and the community. Seeing them leave the pitch is awful. They are incredible players, and Chiefs won't be the same without them playing.

Still, the night was a reminder: in a world where some people go out of their way to bring you down (as my recent experiences evidence!) others, like Kevin, Jo, Maisy, Ebony, and so many in the Chiefs community, the players, and my true friends, lift you up without ever asking anything in return. No drama. No hidden agendas. Just pure love for the game and each other, and im very fortunate that they have been such a support to me. I’ll be clinging to that spirit. And counting down the days till the next game where I'll see my friends, and of course the next end of season dinner.