Many people believe that I should be called Jess Jess, but I firmly disagree.

Let's blow the whistle and kick-off this blog! It's time for me to get that awkward 'Who I Am' introductory post under way, starting with my actual name – Jess Kebbell. Now, I'm sure many of you are dying to see the pretty face behind the words and the computer screen, so here it goes.

Here I am! I look sweet and innocent, right?! Think again! I am sarcastic, occasionally foul-mouthed and completely silly.

Before I go any further, I can hear you all asking - is that a Northampton Saints necklace and shirt? Yes it most certainly is, which brings me on to a very important point - I am a very proud and loyal supporter of the club and this may come across in my writing so, before I get complaints, I am preparing you in advance. Nothing will change that, so pin back your lugholes and get over it.

Now a quick shift to the generic basics about me, so that I can move on to the good stuff: I am 19 years old, I live in a town called Towcester (and yes it is pronounced Toaster, ha bloody ha) and I am currently studying Law and Criminology at Lincoln University. 

Rugby. The one word that gets me excited, and the topic for my posts in Ruck Me Gently. At first, I am (un)ashamed to admit, I was interested in the sport purely because of the hot, muscly men that play the sport.

I mean, look at those men! Totally smoking, right?! But then, as I watched rugby more and more, I came to the realisation that, not only are there plenty of gorgeous men, but the actual game itself is riveting and utterly gripping. The absolute passion and the willingness of the players to put their bodies on the line week after week continues to astound me. Just think of Tom Wood's try in the Premiership Semi-Final of last season - at the point that he scored, himself and the team were absolutely shattered both mentally and physically, yet Wood's reaction to the try says it all about rugby.

The sheer pride and joy that he felt for scoring that late try is etched across his whole face. It doesn't get much better than that.

For me, rugby is the best sport on earth - nothing I have seen can rival the intensity, discipline, spirit and respect that you see in every match. But what I wanted to know was, what makes rugby so great? So, I asked my lovely bunch of Twitter followers and Facebook friends, as well as a few bona fide rugby players, for their opinions!

David Bull - Rugby players never shake hands before the match; the players need to earn each other's respect.

Nikki Bradley - You have to love a sport where it's war on the pitch, and then beers together in the bar afterwards.

Sam Rice - The social aspect is second to none! All get together to have a drink and enjoy the spectacle of the greatest game on earth.

Charlie - Supporters together, minimal policing needed, accessible pricing, player respect for the referees, players value the fans and the community.

Lauren Kilbee - Rugby is one big family. Everyone has everyone else's back. Fans feel like friends even if they haven't met, and it brings people together. 

Emily Jane - There's a feel good factor about it, everyone gets on whether you are a home or away fan, there's a real sense of community at the Saints and above all it's great fun!

Richard Franks - 12 seasons of standing with the same Saints guys and girls - it's definitely our 2nd family.

Kay O'Reilly - Respect in rugby is taught from the off, and this is what makes it great.

Andrew Draper - The tweets between Salesi Ma'afu and Tom Youngs after the Semi-Final.

Saffron Jarvis - I love the atmosphere around any stadium. 

Sharon Newick - Steaming scrums, friends, singing, Saints.

Dany Grimwood - Respect and discipline. 

Laura Barker - Respect amongst fans.

Luke Pickles - It's a sport for all shapes and sizes, everyone is welcome and there is respect between players, officials and supporters.     

Jon Fisher (who I hope recovers from his injury soon so that we can see him back on the field!) - Friendships, collisions, winning, learning and having the privilege to be a part of a team striving for success.

Salesi Ma'afu - Being part of a team, meeting people from all walks of life, making good friends, travelling the world, experiencing different cultures and enjoying playing it.

Ethan Waller - Long lasting friendships, different cultures, and respect for the game.

I also received these images that epitomise what makes rugby so great:

This photo, of the lovely Sandy Masterman and Lucy Boyen, was a Fan Face Winner and demonstrates the camaraderie between fans of all teams.

The Northampton Saints captain Dylan Hartley took this 'selfie', which illustrates that players respect one another and are friendly, despite what may happen on the pitch!

Despite the punching incident, this photo shows that there is respect between all players, and that what happens on the field stays on the field.

So there it is! I hope you've enjoyed reading this post, and that you stay tuned for the next one. Before I sign off, I have a little throwback for any Saintly people out there to a certain match that took place on the 31st May!

I would just like to mention a certain Mr. Luis Ghaut who, as many of you know, sadly passed away in 2014. He was an incredible young man, who went to the Premiership final as the Saints' mascot despite being very ill. He was a hero to his heroes, and he is very much missed by all.

Happy Rucking, and Happy New Year!

Jess.