This week we journey to Mexico to catch up with Fernanda Vazquez, former player turned administrator turned broadcaster, who’s just returned from covering the North American qualifying series for this year’s Rugby World Cup 7s in the Bahamas. Fernanda shares her experiences managing her team in an environment where facilities and resources – especially for female teams – were scarce, as well as her time as a participant in World Rugby Women’s Executive Leadership Scholarship program. We also hear the beautiful stories behind the names of the national team ‘Las Serpientes’ and her club side, Wallabies RFC (this one will surprise you) and her vision for the game in Mexico going forward. To close, we learn about Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca and the beautiful Caribbean Island of the Bahamas were she was able to bring the RWC qualifying series to life. Key Segments [6:00] Getting started in rugby, her team (Wallabies RFC – yep, you read that right) and the challenges for women to play rugby [12:00] World Rugby’s Womens’ Executive Leadership Scholarship, and taking steps into broadcasting [20:45] The Mexican rugby landscape [28:00] The benefits/opportunities to Mexico of 1) two RWCs and an Olympics taking place in the USA over the next decade and 2) the professionalisation in the USA (MLR) and South America (SLAR) [35:15] The stories behind the Mexican national jersey and team name, as well as the iconic Estadio Azteca [41:45] The experience of commentating the recent RWC 7s qualifying event in the Nassau, Bahamas. Dream job much? NOTE: There will be a couple of bonus episodes this week, including one where your host explains the difference between 7s and XVs for those who are less familiar with rugby. Stay tuned! Follow us on Twitter: @OutsideCTRpod Follow us on Instagram: @outsidectrpodcast Email: outsidecentrepod@outlook.com