UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: I FELT A GREATER SENSE OF ACHIEVEMENT INSTEAD OF WORRYING ABOUT MY BODY IMAGE.

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

The first women’s rugby club in the UAE was Arabian Gulf in 2001. Competing in a rugby sevens league that included clubs from neighboring countries such as Kuwait and Qatar, Arabian Gulf represented the UAE in several competitions between 2007 and 2009.Later, more women’s clubs emerged in the country. The first all-Emirati women’s team was founded in 2017, when rugby was introduced into the public school physical education program. A strong collaboration was created between the UAE Rugby Federation (UAERF) and the Ministry of Education, with a development program designed to guide students from schools to clubs and eventually to the national team.

The UAE women’s rugby sevens team was reformed in 2017, competing in the Arab Cup, the West Asia Cup, and finally qualifying for the Asia Series in 2024. Today, there are 8 women’s clubs in the UAE. The main focus is on rugby sevens, with a short rugby 15s season in which clubs merge to form sides and play a three-match series. The goal is to further develop 15s rugby in the region, aiming to create a UAE women’s national team capable of competing in the Asian Championship.

The rugby sevens season runs from September to February, with the Dubai 7s tournament as its main event. The rugby 15s season runs from March to April.

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

Yes. Rugby has helped break cultural and traditional barriers for women in sport across the region. Traditionally, Emirati and Muslim women did not participate in sports beyond a certain age. However, rugby has been increasingly embraced, boosting girls’ participation from an early age and enabling young women to continue playing later in life. Expatriates and Emirati women play together in the national team, improving technical level while also creating special bonds, a shared culture, and a sense of pride. Although still developing, the participation of Emirati girls in school competitions and their opportunity to play a contact sport is highly valued. Rugby continues to overcome traditional mindsets, and the future looks promising: the talent, passion, aggression, and speed of the girls are undeniable.

3. In your opinion, what can rugby offer to the women of your country?

Rugby can give them strength and self-awareness. It offers a sense of purpose and helps women understand the values of belonging to a team and community, both for locals and expatriates. Rugby provides a unique experience that promotes empowerment, strength, resilience, teamwork, community, inclusivity, and genuine friendships.

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

I started when I moved to Dubai in 2014. Growing up in a sporting family in Ireland, we always watched rugby on TV and became passionate about it, often attending provincial and national matches. Coming from other sports (GAA), I loved how inclusive rugby was, the camaraderie, and the social side of the game.

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?

Playing for the national team in major competitions helped me develop resilience, stay calm under pressure, and lead in stressful situations. These qualities transferred into my professional career, where I lead and manage work teams in events and competitions, staying determined to achieve success.

As I progressed in rugby over the years, my leadership and teamwork skills became evident in work contexts, while rugby gave me a sense of acceptance and confidence. Personally, I learned to train for performance rather than aesthetics, and I felt a greater sense of achievement instead of worrying about my body image.

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

Growth, Determination, Authenticity.

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

Being yourself, embracing who you are as an individual while also understanding your role in society and contributing to those around you. Living without fear, being determined, and setting no limits.

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

In the past, I described myself as a wolf: loyal, protective, and brave. I believe I have emotional intelligence, and I’m not afraid to follow my own path or break boundaries. I don’t follow the crowd but stand firm in what I believe, always supporting my teammates. I am either 100% in or 100% out. A “all or nothing” mindset.