Rugby World Cup will inspire girls by seeing 'the women they’ll become’

Languages undergraduate Mikey Williams, 29, believes the England-hosted international competition, which kicks off today when the Red Roses face the USA, will showcase the sport to young girls around the world.

The forward, who plays across the pack for the University’s student side the Essex Blades and Bury St Edmunds RUFC, has just returned from the inaugural Women’s Elite Rugby competition, where she ran out for the Twin Cities Gemini.

The former US Navy enlisted says the sport is growing rapidly, thanks to star players like Ilona Maher, and that the increased focus on the women’s game will galvanise girls to pick up a ball.

'A space where we can be who we are'

She said: “I am proud that girls are wanting to play it. That is the first step.

“One of the things Ilona Maher said that really resonated with me is that rugby is the sport for girls who always felt they were ‘too much’ — too strong, too physical, too intense.

“Rugby gives us a space where we can be who we are.

“Our muscles are not too big, we are not too rough, and we are not too strong. That is exactly what make us who we are.

“I think rugby helps girls look forward to the women they will become, and the community they will join. It is the best sport in the world.”

'It just felt unreal'

Originally from North Carolina, Mikey is now entering the final year of her degree after coming to Essex on a Performance Sport Scholarship.

Whilst here, a link-up with Colchester Rugby Club helped her sharpen her skills before the “unreal” experience of playing professionally for the Minnesota-based professional team.

The American league, which ran from March to June, saw Mikey compete against internationals in broadcast games and train in the NFL facilities.

“It is hard not to feel imposter syndrome when you are training in the same practice stadium as the Minnesota Vikings,” said Mikey

“It just felt unreal, like we had finally made it. Our games were broadcast every weekend, which was amazing because my family could finally watch me play.”

'The university treats us like athletes'

Mikey says the Performance Sport programme at Essex has helped her develop her game and fulfil her potential on the pitch, with strong support for female athletes.

She said: “At the end of the day, it is about treating us not like female athletes, but simply like athletes.

“The University does a good job of making it equal, so everyone feels like when they are playing a sport, they are an athlete. That is something we can all connect on.”

She added: “Everyone has been incredibly supportive and excited for me to play professionally. It feels like Essex now has a foothold in the new women’s rugby world.

“My hope is that this momentum pushes us towards becoming a true women’s rugby university.”