RUGBY FOR ALL
NOT EVERYONE who wants to play rugby is able-bodied. Not every would-be fly-half lives in a stable environment. Not every lock has made the best choices in the past. But the game can offer them all something.
So here we let those who came to rugby via differing paths tell their own stories. Hear from thriving players and about projects, teams and mentors who just want to put a ball in people’s hands.
JODIE OUNSLEY
England Sevens, England Deaf
“I’m 19 and was born profoundly deaf. I went to a mainstream school and it was hard coping in a hearing world, but I had close friends who helped me a lot.
“Sports helped me mix and gave me confidence, although I’m still very shy. I won titles in athletics, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and was five times world coal-carrying champion – a typical Yorkshire event!
“At 14 or 15 I discovered rugby. I’d wanted to play for years but my dad put me off due to concerns about my cochlear implant. I trained midweek at Sandal and was invited to ‘sub’ that weekend. I came on as a winger for the last few minutes. I didn’t think I’d get a touch but the ball popped up. I stepped a few and ran the length. I was hooked!
“I quickly progressed. Aged 16 I left home and started a sports scholarship at Loughborough. At 18 I was offered a contract with England women’s sevens.
