COSTA RICA: I WAS PART OF THE FIRST WOMEN’S RUGBY MATCH IN THE COUNTRY. FOR FOUR MONTHS, A GIRL KEPT INVITING ME UNTIL I FINALLY DECIDED TO GO — SINCHE THEN, RUGBY HAS BEEN PART OF MY LIFE.

1. When did the women’s rugby movement start in your country and what is the history of women’s rugby in your country? How many clubs are there, and how is women’s rugby structured in your country?

Women’s rugby in Costa Rica began in 2009, when a group of female friends of male players, who usually went to watch training sessions, decided to join in. That’s how it all started. In the early years, this group of women played against boys’ youth teams, since there were not enough female players to form women’s squads. In 2010, the second women’s rugby club was founded, and in April of the same year, the first official women’s rugby match in the country was played. By the end of 2010, there were already three teams. From 2011 onwards, women’s exhibition matches were organized, often scheduled alongside men’s XV rugby games. In 2012, the first Women’s National Rugby 7s Championship was held in Costa Rica. That same year, the process of selecting the senior women’s national team began, which led to participation in an international tournament in Guatemala, where Costa Rica became regional champion, competing against Guatemala and El Salvador. Thus, women’s rugby in Costa Rica began to develop both nationally and internationally. Today, women’s rugby in Costa Rica counts 8 teams, divided into youth and senior categories, competing in an annual national competition. These teams are spread across different regions of the country. The Costa Rica Rugby Federation (FRCR) has implemented several development programs to expand the number of girls and women taking up rugby. These programs are coordinated by a dedicated women’s rugby development officer, tasked with promoting inclusion and growth of the sport nationwide. In 2025, the FRCR launched the Rugby Rising Play program, an initiative designed to engage more Costa Rican girls and women in rugby, encouraging active participation from a young age and providing the necessary support for their personal and athletic development. In addition, last year, a group of active players formed a women’s rugby committee to implement collaborative strategies between clubs and create recruitment activities. This committee works closely with the Federation, which supports and endorses its initiatives to strengthen and expand women’s rugby in Costa Rica.

2. Do you think playing rugby has a social impact for a woman in your country?

Yes, playing rugby has a significant social impact for women in Costa Rica. First of all, rugby promotes values such as teamwork, discipline, respect, and resilience, all of which are essential for personal and social development. Moreover, as a sport historically associated with men, women who play rugby challenge traditional gender norms and open the way for others to feel motivated to engage in sports. Rugby allows women to build self-confidence and develop leadership skills. Through training and competition, players not only improve their physical abilities but also strengthen decision-making under pressure, the ability to face challenges, and effective teamwork. Women’s rugby in Costa Rica has also been an instrument of empowerment, offering women a platform to be seen and respected in the sports world. With rugby’s growing popularity, it is becoming an attractive alternative for women who want to break barriers and build support networks both on and off the field. Socially, female rugby players also have the opportunity to become role models for younger generations, proving that women can excel in sports traditionally dominated by men and showing that sport has no gender. This fosters a positive cultural shift, promoting equal opportunities in sport and beyond.

3. In your opinion, what can rugby give to women in your country?

In my view, rugby can offer a great deal to women in Costa Rica, both personally and socially. First, it is a sport that fosters self-esteem and empowerment. Through training and competition, women can overcome physical and mental challenges, develop a resilient mindset, and face difficulties with determination. Rugby also promotes teamwork, solidarity, and cooperation — essential qualities both on and off the field. It teaches women to trust their teammates, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and unity among women. Rugby also challenges traditional gender stereotypes, being a sport more often associated with men. By participating, women have the chance to break these barriers and prove they can excel in any field, promoting gender equality in sport and society at large. In short, rugby offers women in Costa Rica a well-rounded opportunity for growth, for breaking down barriers, and for contributing to a fairer, more supportive society.

1. When did you start playing rugby and how did you discover its existence?

I started playing rugby in March 2010 and was part of the first women’s rugby match in the country. At the gym I attended, a girl approached me and invited me to a rugby training session. The first time, I didn’t pay much attention, but for four months she kept inviting me. Eventually, I decided to join and, since then, rugby has become a fundamental part of my life.

2. What has rugby taught you that has had an impact on your daily life? Can you give me an example of when a rugby mindset was useful?

Rugby has become my lifestyle. Through this sport, I have learned to trust myself more and to be more determined — not only on the field but also in my daily life. Rugby taught me to work under pressure, face my fears, and maintain a positive mindset in the face of challenges. It also helped me develop professional skills such as teamwork and perseverance, qualities I apply in all aspects of my life. Rugby also allowed me to know myself better, to identify my strengths and weaknesses, and to become more resilient. Life, in general, is like a rugby match: it hits you, but the most important thing is to get back up and keep going. A clear example of this was when we lost the gold medal in the first Central American Games that featured rugby. It was a hard blow, especially because it meant so much to the whole team. There were moments of sadness and frustration, but I realized it wasn’t the end; it was an opportunity to learn and grow. Despite the pain of defeat, I knew I had to continue, stay strong, and be an example for my teammates. I had to lead the team, motivating everyone to keep fighting and reminding them that rugby, like life, always has a “next match.”

3. Can you give me three words that connect rugby with freedom?

Of course, these would be my three words:
Empowerment: Rugby allows women to take control of their own destiny, challenge norms, and prove their abilities.
Independence: Players develop decision-making and leadership skills both on and off the field.
Overcoming: Rugby teaches people to push beyond their limits, symbolizing the freedom to break personal and social barriers and reach new goals and opportunities.

4. What does it mean to you to live in a land of freedom?

It means having the opportunity to express myself without fear, to be myself, and to make my own decisions about the direction of my life. It is the chance to choose what I want to do, fight for my dreams, and have the tools necessary to achieve my goals.

5. Which object represents you and why? What is a quote that guides your life?

A volcano. It is a mountain that, on the outside, looks calm, serene, and strong, but inside it holds fire, passion, and intensity. Like a volcano, I consider myself someone who may appear calm on the surface but has great inner energy that drives me to move forward and fight for what I want. My strength is not always visible at first sight, but when I face challenges or when something I am passionate about arises, that intensity erupts — just like a volcano. And just as a volcano transforms after each eruption, it reminds me that adversity is only a moment that helps me grow and evolve. “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi. This reminds me that small individual actions can have a big impact and that, by leading through example, I can positively influence those around me and contribute to a better world.