SYRIA: RUGBY HAS BEEN A SOURCE OF STRENGTH AND A REFUGE FOR ME, ESPECIALLY DURING THE WAR.

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 was first played in Syria in 2018 and is currently in full development. It is still a young reality but growing rapidly. The movement began in 2018 and has since gained popularity in areas such as Damascus and Sweida. Syria participates in official Asia Rugby tournaments, including those in Egypt, Lebanon, and the UAE. Key figures in Syrian women’s rugby include Raghad Abu Amar, responsible for women’s rugby development in Syria, and Sarah Abd Elbaki, a pioneer of Syrian women’s rugby and a great source of inspiration for many generations. Sarah is currently coaching in the UAE and is a member of Asia Rugby. Nicole Zerawi is another notable player representing Syria at Asia Rugby level. A development plan has been introduced to bring rugby into education, in both public and private schools, as well as orphanages and clubs. Currently, there are two main women’s rugby hubs: Damascus and Sweida, with a total of about 50 active players. At club level, Al Arabi Club (Sweida Governorate) includes women’s rugby among its disciplines. Al-Farasa Club offers mixed rugby for children, focusing on youth sports training. Shabiba Homs Ladies Club, along with the Syrian High Rugby Committee, has launched workshops to develop rugby in Homs and the central region of the country.

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

Yes, women’s rugby has a significant social impact for Syrian women. Women who play rugby feel free to express themselves on the field, and this freedom is invaluable. Rugby empowers them and makes them believe they can achieve any goal they set for themselves. For many of these women, rugby has changed their lives, giving them determination and confidence in their abilities.

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

Rugby has great potential for Syrian girls and women. It can bring them a sense of freedom and empowerment, teaching resilience, teamwork, and the ability to face challenges. Moreover, women’s rugby in Syria is seen as a tool for social reintegration, an opportunity for women to connect with the wider world, showing that they can be strong, competitive, and ready to challenge traditional gender norms.

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

I started playing rugby seven years ago. A coach who was forming a rugby team in my city reached out to recruit players. At the time, I was a tennis player with no knowledge of rugby, but I was always curious to try new sports, especially those that required teamwork. I decided to attend the try-outs and immediately fell in love with the game. From there, I joined the first Syrian women’s national rugby team, and my rugby journey began.

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?

Rugby has shaped my life in ways I never imagined. It taught me the true power of teamwork, where success is built by lifting each other up, especially in difficult times. I learned resilience — how to overcome obstacles regardless of setbacks — and the importance of discipline and focus. Rugby also taught me patience, showing me that progress requires time and perseverance. Most importantly, it taught me how to adapt to different situations, whether on the field or in life. These lessons have influenced every part of my life, helping me face challenges with determination, patience, and faith in continuous growth. Rugby has been a source of strength and a refuge for me, especially during the war in Syria. I always remember that rugby gave me an escape, helping me through some of the hardest days. When I trained, I felt detached from the outside world; it was a place where I could let go of worries and focus on something positive. Every time I went home after training, I felt renewed and full of positive energy. Rugby pulled me out of a dark period and gave me the chance to rediscover myself, offering not just physical strength but also mental and emotional resilience.

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

Refuge – Empowerment – Resilience

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

For me, living in a land of freedom is like being on the rugby field — where you have the chance to challenge yourself, grow, and fully express yourself, while respecting the rules of the game. It is a safe space where everyone can be themselves without fear of judgment or stereotypes.

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

A lantern represents me because, like a lantern, I strive to bring light during dark times. It symbolizes resilience and the ability to guide others through challenges, offering hope and support when the path is unclear. Originally in Arabic, the translation is: “Dare to face your fear — and leap into the brilliance of it.” I live by this quote, especially in times of uncertainty or challenge.