Championing Change: Inside the Women’s Game with Rugby Coach Safiaa.

Q: As a coach deeply involved in women’s rugby, what drives your passion for highlighting the disparities in visibility and support between the men’s and women’s game?

It really started from conversations I kept having, seeing how often women in sport were not getting the same treatment or recognition as men, even when they were outperforming them. Women absolutely are on the same level as men in terms of talent, drive, and passion. But what is the reason we don’t get the same funding or backing? If I’m being honest, I think a lot of it comes down to insecurity. Some men in power don’t want to see women doing better, because it threatens a system that has always favoured them.

Q: Can you give an example of that inequality in action?

Look at England rugby. The Red Roses have outperformed the men time and time again, but the attention, the pay, the support — it doesn’t match. Why? It’s not about performance anymore. It's about perception. And that perception is still being shaped by outdated thinking.

Q: Do you feel that mindset is beginning to shift?

I do, actually. Younger generations are much more socially aware, more open, and more vocal about inequality. But a huge piece of the puzzle still needs to change — and that’s the media. The media sets the tone for what’s important, what’s celebrated. And right now, it still often places men’s sport in the spotlight and pushes women’s sport to the sidelines.

Q: You are the head coach for the Plymouth University Women's Team. Can you tell us a bit about your journey into that world?

I played rugby when I was younger, but I had a pretty major injury — broke my back and tore ligaments in my hip. At 16, that kind of injury can crush your dreams. For a while, I stepped away from the sport completely. Then one day, working in a vape shop, a guy came in and we got chatting — he worked at a local rugby club and encouraged me to try coaching. So I did. And I just fell in love with it. Watching players grow, not just in skill but in emotional strength and resilience — it was exactly what I needed. I haven’t looked back since.

Q: That’s such a powerful comeback. And now you coach at several levels.

Yeah! I coach the University of Plymouth Women’s team, work with Plymouth Albion, and I also coach for Devon’s PDG, which is like a pre-county development group. Rugby’s kind of my whole world now.

Q: How is your working relationship with other members of the coaching team?

Honestly, Dan — my co-coach — is one of the best people I’ve worked with. He’s a true ally. He listens, he takes feedback seriously, and he acts on it. That’s what makes the difference. I’ve worked with men who show up unprepared, assume they know it all, and they still get away with it. Dan’s not like that. If he’s late, I get a call. If something needs to change, he works on it. I wouldn’t want to coach with anyone else.

Q: Have you faced challenges with male attitudes in the sport, particularly in your earlier playing days?

Absolutely. Rugby used to be such a male-dominated space. You’d hear, “girls don’t play rugby,” or “you’ll get hurt,” — as if that was any less true for the boys! I’ve always had a strong voice, and I use it now, but I didn’t always feel confident doing that. So many women still don’t. And it’s hard hearing from younger players who don’t feel safe or supported enough to speak up — because I’ve been there too.

Q: Any specific incidents that really hit you?

One that really got me was during Varsity, which is the biggest game of the year at university level. The women’s team lost about 15 minutes of game time because they refused to pause the clock for injuries — the men’s game was scheduled after and couldn’t possibly be delayed. So both women’s teams were just… short-changed. Literally denied equal playtime. That’s how deeply embedded the bias still is.

Q: Do you see change on the horizon?

I do — but it needs to be faster. The infrastructure is there. The money is there. The talent is definitely there. The only thing that’s missing is the will. And that’s the most frustrating part. It’s not a question of can we? It’s just that some people don’t want to.

Q: Do you get much of a crowd at your women’s games?

It’s usually family — dads, partners, a few friends. It’s rarely “oh, let’s go watch a rugby match — who’s playing? Women? Great!” It’s more like, “I know someone on the team.” And the men’s games? Different story. Even when women’s matches are included in the same ticket, people turn up late, skip our game, and act like it’s not worth watching — when these girls hit just as hard. Honestly? I wouldn’t want to get tackled by them!

Q: As someone who works in sport but also advocates for change, what do you want people to take away from your story?

I want people to understand that women in sport are not asking for extra. We’re asking for equal. Equal respect. Equal playtime. Equal opportunity. And that starts with visibility, support, and listening. And if you’re not seeing women’s sport around you — start showing up. Watch the games. Share the stories. Change the culture.