At 21 years old, rugby has already shaped my life in ways I never expected.
I first got involved with the sport three years ago during my first week at university. Joining the women’s rugby team felt like taking a leap into the unknown, but it didn’t take long before I was completely hooked. Rugby is so much more than a sport. It builds community, creates a sense of belonging, and offers support, something incredibly valuable for young people who are still discovering who they are.
For me, rugby quickly became a place where I felt at home.
Through rugby, I’ve discovered passions I never anticipated. In 2024, I joined my club’s committee to manage our social media presence. My interest in photography and graphic design suddenly had a perfect outlet within a sport I cared deeply about.
What began as simply promoting our team soon evolved into something bigger.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role has been recruitment. Using social media to highlight the positive, welcoming environment within women’s rugby has been incredibly powerful. Over the past two years, our team has more than doubled in size, and hearing new players say they joined because they saw our content online is one of the most fulfilling parts of what I do.
It showed me how storytelling and visibility can directly grow the game.
Joining the URC Women’s Leadership Academy
Wanting to develop this passion further, I applied to the URC’s Women’s Leadership Academy. The programme brings together 50 aspiring female leaders aged 18–26 from around the world and connects them with influential women working across the sports industry.
Being accepted onto the programme was an incredible opportunity.
Now seven weeks in, I can already see how transformative the experience has been. Through interactive workshops and discussions, we’ve heard from inspiring leaders such as Hollie Davidson and Alma Smit, whose experiences working in rugby have provided valuable insight into the possibilities within the sport.
Beyond the learning, the programme has also created a powerful network of like-minded individuals who share the same passion for growing women’s rugby.
Supporting Grassroots Rugby with Ulster Rugby Foundation
This journey has also strengthened my connection to the Ulster Rugby Foundation, an organisation deeply committed to increasing visibility, opportunity, and access for women and girls in the sport.
The Foundation’s investment in grassroots development, including support for programmes like CCRO, which reaches tens of thousands of young people across the province aligns perfectly with my passion for expanding the game at the community level.
Volunteering with the Foundation on match days has been especially rewarding. One of my favourite moments is seeing young teams take to the pitch during halftime games, experiencing the thrill of playing in front of a crowd.
Watching that excitement reminds me why grassroots rugby matters so much.
Rugby has given me far more than I ever expected when I first joined my university team. It has opened doors to creativity, leadership, and community engagement, while also helping me discover a genuine passion for grassroots development.
As someone who cares deeply about women’s rugby and the future of the sport, it means a lot to contribute, even in a small way, to Ulster’s growing and increasingly inclusive rugby landscape.
And this journey is only just beginning.
Rugby is a game for everyone.
The Ulster Rugby Foundation aims to help more people, of all ages and abilities, to get involved in our sport across the province. We believe that rugby has the power to have a lasting and positive impact on participants and our local community.