SCOTLAND: TALKING PART IN A SPORT TRADITIONALLY SEEN AS “MALE-DOMINATED” HELPS BREAK DOWN STEREOTYPES AND ENCOURAGES WOMEN TO ASSERT THEMSELVES IN EVERY ASPECT OF LIFE.

1. When did the women’s rugby movement start in your country and what is its history? How is rugby structured in your country?

Women’s rugby has a long history in Scotland. The first documented matches date back to 1881, when teams played a version called “exhibition football.” These early games provoked public outrage and were disrupted by riots that led to the abandonment of several fixtures.

Scottish women’s national team: The first official match of the Scottish women’s national team was played against Ireland at Raeburn Place, Edinburgh, on February 14, 1993, ending in a 10-0 victory for the home side. Leading the team was Scotland’s first captain, Sandra Colamartino, who scored both tries. In April 1994, Scotland became an alternate host of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, finishing fifth – the best result achieved so far. Since then, the team has taken part in the 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2021 editions of the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Five Nations Tournament (now Six Nations): On March 21, 1998, an 8-5 victory against England in the final match of the Home Nations Championship secured a Grand Slam for Scotland.

Union status: The Scottish Women’s Rugby Union (SWRU) was the governing body for women’s rugby in Scotland, overseeing all aspects of the women’s game at national level – from youth recruitment to senior competitions (from age 16 upwards), including management of the national team. At the June 2009 General Assembly, the SWRU voted unanimously to merge with the Scottish Rugby Union, creating a single integrated body for rugby in Scotland.

Today, there are 70 senior women’s teams and 108 youth teams (U14, U16, and U18) in Scotland. These teams take part in various formats of competition, from informal festivals to regional and national leagues.

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

Yes, I believe playing rugby as a woman in Scotland can have a significant social impact in several ways: Empowerment and self-confidence: Rugby is a physically demanding sport that fosters resilience, leadership, and self-esteem. Women who play rugby often develop strong confidence, both on and off the field. Challenging stereotypes about women in contact sports helps break barriers and encourages others to defy social expectations. Community and inclusion: Rugby creates strong social bonds and a sense of belonging. Many Scottish clubs provide inclusive environments that welcome women from all backgrounds, fostering friendships and social support. The growth of women’s rugby in Scotland has increased athlete visibility, inspiring younger generations to take up the sport. Health and wellbeing: Rugby promotes physical fitness and mental resilience, contributing to overall wellbeing. Many women find that team sports help manage stress, improve mental health, and support personal growth. Challenging gender roles: Women’s rugby challenges traditional gender roles in Scotland and beyond, showing that women can excel in physically demanding sports. Greater media coverage and investment in women’s rugby contribute to increased gender equality in sport. Opportunities and professional growth: Women’s rugby in Scotland is expanding, with more opportunities for female coaches, referees, and professional players. Success stories, like that of the Scottish national team, create pathways for young girls aspiring to rugby careers.

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

Confidence and empowerment: Rugby builds resilience, leadership, and self-esteem. Taking part in a sport traditionally seen as “male-dominated” helps break stereotypes and encourages women to assert themselves in every aspect of life.

Physical and mental wellbeing: Rugby improves health and provides stress relief, structure, and a sense of purpose. A supportive community: Rugby clubs across Scotland create a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie, forging lasting friendships within the rugby community.

Breaking gender stereotypes: Women’s rugby is changing how female athletes are perceived in Scotland. Increased visibility brings greater recognition, funding, and opportunities for future generations. Inspiration for the future: The Scottish women’s national team inspires young girls to play sports, giving them the chance to “see what they can become.”

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

In the garden with my brothers, then at high school. Unfortunately, there were no clubs I could join, so I played football instead. I played football internationally for 20 years. When I retired in 2017, I came to work for Scottish Rugby.
I had always known the rugby world – my father played until he was 53, and my brothers and I all played. Every year, our family would sit together to watch Scotland, England, and Ireland in the Six Nations… we had many different loyalties in our household.

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

I think rugby and football were similar in that they introduced me to so many different people and cultures I might never have encountered otherwise. It opened my eyes to the world.
A positive attitude: in rugby and in sport you need to find ways to take the positives and move forward. You can’t waste time dwelling on “what might have been,” but instead focus on “what comes next.”

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

Acceptance, expression, affirmation.

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

Choice and free will.

5. What object represents you and why? What is an aphorism that guides your life?

A bird – floating, observant, listening, wandering.
“I find that the harder I work, the luckier I seem to get.”