It has been a good start to the season for Greenock Wanderers and it has been a good start to the season for their vice-captain Katie Purves.
Greenock have beaten Ayr and Dundee Valkyries comfortably with bonus points so far this term to sit top of the Arnold Clark Women’s National League table.
Katie, who is supporting co-captains Rebecca McDiarmid and Julia Ballingall in 2026/27, scored four tries versus Ayr and then helped create a number of scores against Dundee.
This weekend, Greenock will look to make it three wins from three in the six-team league when they host Highland at Fort Matilda on Sunday.
“I think we’ve made a really strong start to the season and definitely made a statement that we’re ready to take on the challenges of playing at a higher level,” 23-year-old Katie said.
“We’re enjoying the National League experience so far and we just want to keep this momentum that we have going.
“We’ve made a really strong start so we want to build on that, focus on our own performances and, first up. make sure we’re ready for the challenge Highland will bring.
“All teams would love to win the league, but, for me, I’d like for us as a team to cement our position within this league. We’ve worked hard to get here and I’d really like to see us establish ourselves at this level and continue progressing as a team. Anything else would be a bonus.”
Katie, who has played multiple positions for the Wanderers, grew up in Greenock and played field hockey for 13 years.
“It wasn’t until I was 17 when I decided to go to my local club Greenock Wanderers for a ‘come and try’ session that rugby came onto my radar properly,” she explained.
“I’d always enjoyed being active, but I was completely hooked on rugby from that point onwards and quickly became part of things at the club. It wasn’t until 2021, when I was 19, that I had my first taste of competitive rugby, which I loved.
“Rugby – and rugby at Greenock Wanderers – is more than simply just a sport for me. The team become a family to you and the club becomes a huge part of your life.
“My team is my social life and there are girls who are my best friends that I never would have met were it not for rugby.
“For me, it’s an easy way to immerse yourself in a community. Wherever I’ve gone, I’ve always joined a rugby team and made friends. When I went to Spain for my year abroad during my post-school studies I joined a local team and some of my favourite memories are from the times I spent with the girls there.
I’ve worked in remote rural areas of Scotland and have sought the local teams who have all been very welcoming and inclusive. Rugby instantly gave me a social life and a way to connect to other people my age.
“And being part of things at Greenock is absolutely amazing.
“On the pitch, you’re always pushed to achieve your best, but at the same time everyone encourages and supports you. Off the pitch is even better, there’s such a strong social side and the club genuinely feels like a little family.”
The National League’s weekend fixtures are here.
Katie Purves is pictured
It is shaping up to be an exciting 2026/27 season for women’s rugby in Scotland and GH Media will be covering it in detail – if any companies are keen to support this content please send an email to gary@gh-media.co.uk