What’s your history with rugby? How did you first hear about it and what made you want to join?
I found rugby as a Freshman at Tufts University! I was a multi-sport athlete growing up, and a three-sport varsity athlete all through high school. When I got to college, I knew I wanted to continue playing high-level, competitive team sports, and rugby drew me in right away.
Since college, I played for two years with the All Blues out of the Bay Area in California. Most recently, I played front row for the New York Exiles, in the inaugural season of WER. Each one of these teams and experiences shaped me for the better. I’m so grateful for this community.
How long have you been playing rugby now? What moves you about playing the sport / being part of the community?
I’ve been playing since 2018, so 6-7 years now.
I loved that rugby gave me a sport and community where I could use my size and strength as an asset. Despite loving my other sports through childhood and high school, my stocky, 200+ lb body type wasn’t really valued in the same way. Rugby really transformed how I thought about my body image and self worth.
I also love the gender inclusivity and LGTBQ+ allyship in women’s+ rugby. I think the sport is a uniquely safe and welcoming space for athletes in the LGBTQ+ community, such as myself.
What’s one stereotype about rugby players - that you’ve had to personally face or otherwise - that you really hate?
One stereotype about women’s+ rugby that I hate is the notion that “women’s rugby players need to be protected.” This especially comes into play regarding some of the transphobia and trans bans that circle our game, but is not reflective of the sentiment of most players. Trans athletes are welcome in women’s+ rugby, and differences in size and strength are intrinsic to the game and all sports. We don’t need “protecting” from an imaginary risk. We know our values and the risks we endure by playing a physical sport.
How has rugby impacted your life?
As I mentioned earlier, playing rugby has been transformative for my body image and self worth. I found out early last year that I have PCOS, which means I deal with certain symptoms due to my hormone levels, one of those symptoms being heavier, but potentially more muscular, due to the extra testosterone. I had coaches in other sports growing up who always encouraged me to be lighter, faster, and smaller, even though my body would not necessarily cooperate, no matter how hard I tried. Rugby has allowed me to embrace my body type, my muscle mass, and my weight, and to truly improve on my athletic weaknesses AND build on my strengths.
If you could tell your younger self one thing as the rugby player you are today, what would it be?
It’ll all work out. You’ll find a sport and many wonderful teammates, coaches, and supporters that love you for you.
Is there a person or moment in your rugby career that has been particularly impactful to your rugby career or to your life in general?
I honestly can’t narrow this down to a person or a moment. I feel like rugby is such an important fabric of my life.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experiences playing rugby or being a part of the community?
If you are thinking about picking up or returning to rugby–Do it. It is the hardest and best sport you will ever play.
Support womxn's rugby! You can find Emily on Instagram @efb100 or catch them playing in the WER with the New York Exiles. If you want to watch a match, you can find the Exiles on Instagram @wer_exiles or check season schedules and get tickets at https://www.womenseliterugby.us/2025-schedule.