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Empowering Women In Sport With Netball Northern Ireland

Supporting women in netball isn’t just about kit – it’s about creating opportunities, celebrating athletes and breaking barriers.

On International Women’s Day, it’s about representation, confidence and investing in the next generation.

One story that embodies this spirit is Netball Northern Ireland (Netball NI). As the official long-term kit supplier for all teams, Netball NI continues to set the standard in Northern Ireland, providing a clear pathway for netballers to participate and develop.

As part of the Netball NI warriors team, Lauren has been playing at the elite level and representing her country with pride, helping to grow the sport on and off the court.

We spoke with Lauren about her journey, the importance of community in sport and what it means to be a woman in netball today.

“Representing Northern Ireland is a true privilege, nothing beats stepping onto the court in a green or navy dress.”

Lauren, who represented Netball NI at last year’s Celtic Cup, credits the team environment with helping her thrive both personally and as an athlete.

“We have a friendly and close-knit community. All the girls are encouraging, helpful and kind.

“We support and uplift each other throughout training, matches, conditioning and beyond the court too.”

Lauren’s personal journey in the sport is also deeply tied to her family.

“My mum previously played for Northern Ireland, and it means a lot to continue her legacy and make her proud every day.

“She was the one who encouraged me from a young age to play this sport, and I’m forever thankful that she did.”

Lauren also highlighted the empowering impact netball has had on her confidence and personal growth.

“The sport has developed me in so many ways. My confidence and self-esteem grew, I met amazing people by travelling around the world too.”

For Lauren, International Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on women’s achievements in sport.

“International Women’s Day is a way to represent how powerful, independent and successful we all are, and that anything is possible if you put your mind to it!”

Kukri Sports is proud to support athletes like Lauren and the Netball NI Warriors, providing kit, support and a platform for women to excel in sport and represent their country with pride.

Why do netball clubs partner with Kukri?

– Proven long-term partnerships

– Fully bespoke sportswear – choose from over 200 designs.

– UK Production

– Dedicated account management – one point of contact to guide your project from design to delivery

– Flexible ordering options

– eCommerce management – with a dedicated online shop built and managed by Kukri

Join the team:

If you’re looking for a sportswear partner that delivers reliability, accountability and long-term value, get in touch and partner with Kukri today.

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Empowering Women In Sport With UBC Women’s Rugby

North America

Supporting women in sport isn’t just about kit – it’s about creating opportunities, celebrating athletes and breaking barriers.

On International Women’s Day, it’s about representation, confidence and investing in the next generation.

One story that embodies this spirit is UBC Women’s Rugby. As official kit supplier for over a decade, UBC Women’s Rugby continues to set the standard in Western Canada, winning four consecutive Canada West 7s titles, six consecutive Canada West 15s titles, back-to-back U SPORTS national championships, and with six players competing in last year’s Rugby Women’s World Cup.

We spoke with Olivia Sarabura, a key part of UBC’s recent success, about her journey, the growth of women’s rugby and what it means to be a woman in sport today.

“Being a part of the UBC Women’s Rugby program means everything to me. When I first started playing, I could not have imagined the places this sport would take me.

“It’s an incredible opportunity to compete at such a high level, and I hope my journey shows young girls that you don’t have to choose between education and playing the sport you love.”

Now entering her sixth year with the squad, Olivia said rugby has opened doors to both national and international experiences.

“It’s given me so many opportunities to be the best athlete and person that I can be.

“I’ve been able to represent my country playing rugby sevens and play for the best women’s rugby program in the country, something that wouldn’t have been possible a few decades ago.

“Growing up, I didn’t really see many female athletes on TV or in the news. Women’s rugby wasn’t popular at the time, and no one really covered what it was like to be a woman in sport.

“Now, I’m surrounded by world-class athletes who are my teammates, friends and family. I’m so grateful to be around them.”

When it comes to game day and giving her best, wearing Kukri kit is more than just putting on a uniform.

“Our coaches always say that our kit represents so much more than just us. They represent our team, the people who believe in us and the athletes who came before,” she explained.

“When I put on my Kukri kit, I play better because I know that I’m not just playing for myself – but all the people who made it possible for me to put it on and play the sport I love.”

While celebrating progress, Olivia stressed the importance of ongoing investment.

“Women’s rugby in Canada has so much potential. We have talented athletes, coaches and supporters who do a lot of unnoticed work to keep the sport at the highest level possible, but they need more support, funding and research.

“We need to keep elevating women’s rugby and investing in the future of girls and women.”

Olivia also encouraged newcomers to take the leap and get involved.

“I want young girls and women to know they can be strong, intense and aggressive, and find a sport that welcomes that.

“As a teacher in training, I often speak to young girls about rugby because they don’t realize that it is even an option for them.

“That’s why International Women’s Day is so important, it’s a chance to thank the women who paved the way and reflect on what still needs to be done.”

Kukri Sports is proud to stand alongside female athletes like Olivia and the UBC Women’s Rugby team — providing kit, support, and a platform for women to excel in sport and education worldwide.

Why do rugby clubs partner with Kukri?

– Proven long-term partnerships

– Dedicated account management – one point of contact to guide your project from design to delivery

– Fully bespoke sportswear – choose from over 200 designs.

– Flexible ordering options

– eCommerce management – with a dedicated online shop built and managed by Kukri

Join the team:

If you’re looking for a sportswear partner that delivers reliability, accountability and long-term value, get in touch and partner with Kukri today.

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Back-to-Back Commonwealth Games Champion Joins Kukri Sports As New Brand Ambassador

United Kingdom

Kukri Sports is proud to announce British Gymnastics star Courtney Tulloch as the brand’s newest ambassador.

A multiple British champion and four-time Commonwealth Games medallist, Courtney joins Kukri as one of the most decorated British artistic gymnasts of the last decade.

He now joins Megan Kealy, Britain’s first-ever Tumbling World Games champion, as one of two ambassadors from British Gymnastics, which further strengthens our commitment to supporting talent on and off the mat.

A natural fit 

“It feels really special and something I’m proud of,” said Courtney, speaking on joining the Kukri team.

“From the very start, Kukri stood out to me because of their commitment to athletes and their understanding of what performance really means.

“It feels like a natural fit, not just from a performance perspective but also in terms of values and what they stand for.”

Making history & aims for the season

After already writing his name into the gymnastics history books on several occasions – including becoming the first British & first black man to win a world medal on the rings at the 2022 World Gymnastics Championships – Courtney is preparing for what promises to be an exciting season, including setting his sights on this year’s Commonwealth Games.

“I’m feeling excited and motivated,” he said. “This stage of the season is always important because it’s where you really see the work from training come together.

“Ultimately, I want to keep pushing my routines forward and become three-time Commonwealth Games champion on the rings.”

Reflecting on what makes the Games so special, Courtney added, “There’s a unique atmosphere and sense of pride that comes with representing your country.

“Winning gold at the Gold Coast and Birmingham are memories I’ll always cherish, not just because of the results but because of the team spirit and support from the fans.

“It’s an event that brings people together in a really powerful way.”

The importance of the right sportswear

The gymnast also emphasises the importance of having the right performance partner as he targets further success on the international stage.

“In a sportswear partner, I look for quality, attention to detail and a genuine understanding of athletes’ needs,” he said.

“Kukri ticks all those boxes, which is why I’m excited about working with them”.

Courtney is also focused on the wider impact of the partnership beyond competition.

“I’m looking forward to collaborating on projects that inspire young athletes and help grow the sport.

“I hope this partnership will allow us to create impact both on and off the competition floor, and I’m excited to see where the journey takes us.”

Partner with Kukri Sports

Kukri Sports delivers more than just kit – we deliver complete partnership solutions for clubs, schools, universities and national governing bodies looking to upgrade their performance:

– Premium performance quality – Adaptable fit, sizing and a range of customisable design options to choose from.

– Reliable global delivery – Proven on-time delivery you can depend on.

– Fully managed ecommerce solutions – Custom-built online shops that remove the administrative burden, streamline ordering for members and provide a seamless purchasing experience.

– Dedicated account management – A single point of contact offering proactive support, guidance and long-term partnership development.

– Value without compromise – We offer competitive pricing structures while maintaining industry-leading quality.

If you’re ready to partner with a brand that understands every level of sport, invests in impact and delivers on quality, service and value – partner with Kukri Sports today.

To explore partnership opportunities, visit here or contact us to find out more.

Find out more about Courtney

Kukri Sports Extends Long-Standing Partnership with Taunton School

United Kingdom

Kukri Sports is delighted to announce the extension of its partnership with Taunton School.

The renewed agreement will see Kukri continue as the official sportswear provider for staff and pupils, building on a successful relationship that has now spanned more than a decade.

Since the partnership began in 2013, Kukri has worked closely with the school to support its wide-ranging sporting programme. Staff and pupils across 120 teams in 20 different sports are equipped with performance-led apparel designed to meet the demands of competition and reflect the proud identity of the school.

Commenting on the extension, Chris Marshall, Group COO at Kukri Sports, said:

“We are extremely proud to extend our long-standing partnership with Taunton School. The school’s dedication to sporting excellence and the ongoing achievements of its students is inspiring, and we’re proud to provide the kit and support them in achieving their goals and performing at their best.

“We look forward to many more years of shared success.”

Alex Kemp, Director of Commercial Enterprise at Taunton School, added:

“Our ongoing partnership with Kukri provides everyone at Taunton School with high-quality, hard-wearing and well-designed sportswear.

“We look forward to working together to support the continued sporting excellence of the students.”

Partnership Highlights:

Over more than a decade of collaboration, Kukri’s partnership with Taunton School has delivered measurable impact including:

– 120 teams across 20 different sports supported

– 5k+ units delivered across staff and all school sports in the last academic year

– 48-hour guaranteed delivery to the school shop

– Dedicated operational support, working directly with the school shop manager to streamline ordering & fulfilment

– Students competing and succeeding at regional, national and professional levels

– Taunton School recently named 14th best school in the UK for sport and recipient of the Inspiring Sporting Activities Award from Talk Education

About Taunton School:

Taunton School is a leading independent school with a rich 175-year history of academic and sporting excellence.

To learn more about the school, visit here.

Why do partners stay with Kukri?

– Trusted education partner – experienced in supporting school’s sporting and operational needs

– Proven long-term partnerships – built on dedication and delivery

– 98% on-time delivery – giving schools confidence and consistency

– Dedicated account management – one point of contact to guide your project from design to delivery

– Fully bespoke sportswear – tailored to each school’s identity and requirements

– Flexible ordering options – including online portals & wholesale solutions

– eCommerce management – with a dedicated online shop built and managed by Kukri

Join the team:

If you’re looking for a school sportswear partner that delivers reliability, accountability and long-term value, get in touch and partner with Kukri today.

Kukri Sports Delivers Performance and Reliability With Aus Cycling

Australia

Amid a busy and exciting cycling season, Kukri Sports and Aus Cycling continue to thrive together in their partnership.

From BMX to track, road, mountain bike and para-cycling, Kukri has been there behind the scenes, supporting the talented team & athletes with custom-designed teamwear and lifestyle apparel to help them look and feel their best.

This includes the recent Oceania Cycling Championships, where the team claimed five elite continental titles across team sprint, sprint and keirin, the Tour Down Under event in South Australia, the UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in Brazil and the UCI Road World Championships in Rwanda.

The team’s kit has performed across extremes of temperature, keeping athletes comfortable through the summer cycling heat and adapting to different climates at multiple world championships.

New developments have also seen the Aus Cycling team receive operations staff uniforms, helping them to support the team behind the scenes at training sessions and future championships.

Speaking on the kit, Liam Walsh, ARA Australian Cycling Team Road & Track Cyclist, said “I think the new kit is really nice, it’s been very comfortable to wear at the track in both the hot and cold.

“The quality has helped us across numerous trips and race days which is fantastic,” he said.

“The designs are distinctively Australian, which is important to us, and I think the blend of indigenous print on the side ties into the race suit really nicely and makes the on-bike and off-bike clothing work really well together.

“It reflects how proud everyone is to represent Australia.”

Jon Burrage, Aus Cycling’s Apparel & Merchandise Manager, added “Kukri’s performance apparel delivers exactly what we need – unmistakably Australian in its look and identity, while maintaining genuine technical performance.

“The quality of the fabrics, fit and finish stands up to the demands of our athletes and staff, and the end result is apparel our team is proud to wear,” he said.

“Working with Kukri has been seamless from start to finish. Their communication is clear and whenever we’ve needed adjustments or solutions, they have acted quickly and professionally.

“They are always committed to delivering the best outcome for Aus Cycling.”

Chris Marshall, Group COO at Kukri Sports, said “We are very proud to support Aus Cycling. Providing high-quality apparel that athletes and staff can rely on is something we take a lot of responsibility for, and it’s fantastic to hear about the positive feedback from the team.

“Seeing the team perform on the world stage while wearing our kit is a testament to the strength of our partnership and our commitment to helping athletes perform at their very best. It also reflects Kukri’s expanding global footprint and the values we bring to sport around the world.”

Why do partners stay with Kukri?

– Trusted education partner – experienced in supporting school’s sporting and operational needs

– Proven long-term partnerships – built on dedication and delivery

– 98% on-time delivery – giving schools confidence and consistency

– Dedicated account management – one point of contact to guide your project from design to delivery

– Fully bespoke sportswear – tailored to each school’s identity and requirements

– Flexible ordering options – including online portals & wholesale solutions

– eCommerce management – with a dedicated online shop built and managed by Kukri

Join the team:
If you’re looking for a school sportswear partner that delivers reliability, accountability, and long-term value, get in touch and partner with Kukri today.

The Role of Reliable Sportswear in Education Sport

World News

As International Day of Education is recognised globally, Kukri Sports continues to play a key role in supporting schools and universities through sport.

For over 25 years, Kukri has built a broad footprint across the education sector, partnering with schools and universities in the UK and internationally.

Supplying sportswear across 100+ sports, Kukri supports education providers at every level – from grassroots participation programmes to elite performance environments – helping them deliver consistent, inclusive sporting experiences every academic year.

Supporting schools through sport

Schools require sportswear that is reliable, cost-effective and built to last.

Kukri provides schools with reliable, high-quality sportswear that supports participation and performance.

Our offering includes:

– Multi-sport expertise: Supporting 100+ sports with fully bespoke designs for every team and athlete

– Custom and bespoke options: Full flexibility to create kit that reflects your school’s identity

– Reliable supply: Proven 98% on-time delivery, with lead times as short as 48 hours for stocked items

– Durable, long-lasting kit: Designed to withstand repeated use and maintain consistency through the use of sustainable fabric options

– Dedicated support: Account managers provide guidance, clear communication and help manage growing participation

Debbie Skene, Director of Sport at Rugby School, said “Rugby School has created a functional and inclusive range of sports kit with the help and support of Kukri.

“Students and staff all look and feel part of our sports teams. We take great pride in our ‘nobody on the bench’ approach, and this kit embodies our ‘whole person, whole point’ ethos.

“We are delighted to be associated with Kukri.”

Supporting universities through sport

Kukri works with universities to deliver performance-led sportswear that meets the demands of elite competition, while supporting participation across campus.

Our offering includes:

– Multi-sport expertise: Supporting 100+ sports with fully bespoke designs for every team and athlete

– Custom and bespoke options: Full flexibility to create kit that reflects your university’s identity and team requirements

– Reliable supply: Proven 98% on-time delivery, with lead times as short as 48 hours for stocked items and 3 weeks for bespoke orders

– Managed supply solutions: Streamlined ecommerce and distribution reduce administrative workload

– Dedicated account management: Guidance and support across all aspects of kit provision and campus-wide programmes

– Support beyond kit: Scholarships, hardship funding, and internship opportunities to help students develop on and off the pitch

At Loughborough University alone, Kukri delivered over 23,500 units in 2025 across 50+ sports. This demonstrates our ability to manage large-scale supply while delivering kit that meets performance and identity requirements.

Phillip Cook, Head of Performance Sport at Manchester Metropolitan University, said “Kukri’s commitment through the scholarship has made a real difference to our performance sport programme.

“It has created opportunities for more than 65 talented student-athletes to develop both on and off the field.”

A trusted partner for education

Through long-term partnerships and a clear understanding of the education sector, Kukri continues to support schools and universities in delivering high-quality sporting experiences.

Schools and universities looking for a reliable, long-term education sportswear partner can find out more by visiting the link below.

CLICK HERE

Kukri Sports Reflects on a Year of Global Growth and Partner Success

World News

As 2025 comes to a close, Kukri Sports is reflecting on a year of real progress, strengthened partnerships and continued commitment to supporting athletes worldwide.

Sustained Growth Across Global Partnerships:

Throughout the year, Kukri welcomed over 25 new partnerships and renewed over 15 long-standing partnerships worldwide. These developments reflect the brand’s commitment to delivering innovative, performance-driven sportswear to teams from grassroots to elite.

A key milestone in 2025 was the formation of a strategic partnership with Sportz88, helping to support Kukri’s long-term ambitions to enhance its presence and capabilities across Europe.

New partnerships spanned multiple regions, including Australia Cycling, British Rowing, Volleyball England, Dubai Hurricanes and Hong Kong Squash.

Key partnership renewals also included Team England, Commonwealth Games Canada, England Athletics and British Wheelchair Basketball, all of which highlight the brand’s reputation as a trusted sportswear supplier for hundreds of different sports.

The ambassador programme also expanded, welcoming two inspirational athletes – nine-time Paralympic champion Hannah Cockroft, and Britain’s first-ever tumbling World Games champion Megan Kealy.

Celebrating Partner Achievements:

Across 2025, many Kukri partners recorded notable achievements and milestones, including:

– Somerset CCC: Vitality Blast champions and inaugural season for the women’s team.

– British Rowing: World Rowing Cup winners and successful defence of European Championship title.

– Loughborough University: Won their 44th consecutive BUCS title.

– British Wheelchair Basketball: Silver medals for both squads at the IWBF European Championships.

– Loughborough Lightning: NXT Gen team secured their first-ever NSL title, with the senior team reaching their fifth consecutive grand final.

– Dubai College: U19 Girls rugby team were crowned Gulf Dubai 7s champions.

– Dubai Hurricanes: Men’s team were crowned Gulf Men’s League Champions at the Dubai 7s.

– UBC Women’s Rugby: Crowned back-to-back U Sports Women’s Rugby national champions.

– Waikato Rugby: FPC squad claimed back-to-back Premiership titles.

– Australia Cycling: Squads triumphed at this year’s UCI Track World Championships, with the men’s team winning silver and the women’s team winning a team sprint bronze medal for the second consecutive year.

These achievements reflect the dedication of the athletes and support teams Kukri works alongside and the collaborative approach taken to performance apparel.

Commitment to Inclusivity, Community & Athlete Development:

Kukri continued its commitment to EDI and community impact through several initiatives, including:

– Supporting Belfast City Marathon with official participant and training kit

– Designing adaptable kit for Oshawa Vikings’ mixed ability squads competing in Spain

– Creating bespoke kit for the 26 Mountains 2 Mayo challenge in support of Cancer Fund for Children

– Ongoing support for Dubai 7s supplying bespoke sportswear for over 25 partner teams

– Strengthening off-field support for schools and universities through hardship funds, internships and ambassador opportunities

Looking Ahead to 2026:

Heading into 2026, Kukri is preparing for another positive year, including supporting partners competing at the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Continued investment in product development, service enhancement and global operations will remain central to the brand’s focus.

Andy Ronnie, Group CEO at Kukri Sports, said “2025 has been a year of steady progress across the business. From welcoming new partners to supporting long-standing relationships, we’re proud of the work our teams have delivered.

“As we look to 2026, our commitment remains the same: to support athletes and organisations with reliable, high-quality sportswear and to keep building on the foundations we’ve set.”

Chris Marshall, Group COO added, “This year has highlighted the value of strong relationships and operational consistency. Our teams globally have continued to refine processes and enhance service levels to ensure our partners receive the support they expect. We look forward to developing this further in 2026.”

For teams, organisations and institutions seeking a high-performance, athlete-focused sportswear partner, find out more and get in touch with us today.

Kukri Sports Partners Shine At Dubai Sevens Tournament

Middle East

Trophies lifted, finals reached and standout performances across rugby and netball as Kukri’s partner schools and clubs shine on the Dubai stage.

This year’s Emirates Dubai Sevens tournament, held from 29 November to 1 December, delivered another unforgettable weekend of sport, excitement and elite competition.

As a long-standing partner to a variety of schools and clubs in the Middle East, Kukri proudly supported its teams with customised sportswear designed to meet the demands of different sports.

Kukri partners competing at this year’s tournament included Dubai Hurricanes, Bahrain RFC, Dubai College, Jebel Ali School, Dubai British School, The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK), Repton Dubai and The Club.

Across rugby and netball, more than 25 Kukri partner teams shone throughout the tournament.

Partner Performance Highlights

Dubai Hurricanes

Dubai Hurricanes delivered one of their strongest Dubai Sevens campaigns in recent years.

Their men’s rugby side were crowned Gulf Men’s League champions in a thrilling all-Kukri final against Bahrain RFC, while the women’s first rugby team reached the final, narrowly missing out on silverware to Abu Dhabi Harlequins.

Bahrain RFC:

Bahrain RFC enjoyed an impressive tournament across three sports, entering six competitive squads.

The Colts rugby team captured the Bowl Championship, while the 1st XV men’s rugby team narrowly missed out on the title.

Their junior netball side also excelled, earning a place as Bowl finalists after a strong campaign.

Dubai College:

Dubai College produced a standout performance across all age groups. Their third netball team were crowned Gulf Youth Aspire Netball champions, while the U19 girls’ rugby squad lifted the Gulf championship after a 14-12 victory over DESS College.

Amal, captain of Dubai College’s Netball third team, said, “My experience at Dubai Sevens this year was phenomenal.

“The atmosphere was great, motivation me to push myself even further. Hearing the final whistle in our last match and celebrating together really captured our team spirit and dedication.”

She added, “Support from partners like Kukri plays a key role in our success. Having high-quality kit we feel comfortable in gives us confidence on court to perform.”

Jess Harris, Dubai College Girls Rugby player said, “Running onto the pitch in front of a crowd of 15,000 people was surreal.

“Lifting the trophy after years of falling just short made the victory incredibly emotional.”

Jebel Ali School:

Jebel Ali School continued their strong development with competitive performances across both sports.

Their U19 boys’ rugby team reached the quarter-finals, while their netball team secured 7th place overall after progressing to the Plate semi-final.

BSAK:

BSAK performed strongly across all competitions. Their Gulf U19 boys’ rugby team reached the play-off semi-final, the girls’ rugby squad also progressed to the semi-finals, and their netball team finished as play-off finalists in the Gulf Youth Aspire tournament.

Repton Dubai:

Repton Dubai continued to build momentum at the Dubai Sevens, competing with two teams across rugby and netball.

Their netball squad impressed with a run to the semi-final in the Gulf Youth Aspire competition, while their U19 boys’ rugby team lost out in an all-Kukri Plate quarter-final against BSAK.

The Club:

The Club’s rugby sevens team delivered a spirited performance in the Gulf Men’s social competition, winning their first three matches to progress to the quarter-final before losing out to Dubai Warriors.

Celebrating partnership & performance

Chris Marshall, Group COO at Kukri Sports, said “Seeing our partner teams excel at this year’s tournament has been fantastic.

“Their performances embody the passion and resilience that the tournament is renowned for. We’re proud to support them with bespoke, high-quality apparel that helps them feel confident and empowered on one of the Middle Easts’ biggest sporting stages.”

Kukri Sports congratulates all partner schools and clubs for their outstanding achievements at the 2025 Dubai Sevens.

Are you looking for a new sportswear partner? Get in touch with us today.

How Kukri Athletes Helped Shape a Landmark Women’s Rugby World Cup

Athletes from Kukri partner programmes UBC Women’s Rugby and Loughborough Lighting played a significant role at this year’s World Cup, with several helping their nations reach the final.

Ten current and former players represented Canada and England on the biggest stage, including five from UBC Women’s Rugby representing Canada – Florence Symonds, Rachel Smith, Shoshanah Seumanutafa, Mikiela Nelson and Gillian Boag, while UBC alumni Mackenzie Carson played for England.

Four Loughborough Lightning players also represented England, including Emily Scarratt, Sadia Kabeya, Lilli Ives Campion and Helena Rowland, while 21 other players from Lightning represented four other countries.

All players involved made their mark, including the ten across both nations who reached the final between England and Canada, which saw the Red Roses triumph for the first time since 2014.

For Kukri, the tournament reflected the progress being made across domestic programmes and the women’s game, as athletes developed within supportive environments earned national team selection and contributed throughout the competition.

Pride of Competing at the World Cup

For many athletes, being part of the tournament was a career highlight that they have worked tirelessly for, as UBC’s Rachel Smith points out.

“As an athlete, it felt like a dream come true to be part of a World Cup team. It was emotional because we were so proud of everything we had already achieved, and we got to share that with so much of our family being there.”

Sadia Kabeya, Loughborough Lightning flanker, also described her experience representing her nation at a home World Cup.

“It was amazing. Representing my country was one of the proudest moments of my career,” she explained.

“Reaching the final and feeling that excitement so close to home was incredible.”

Experiencing the Tournament

The players were also struck by the growing crowds, increased coverage and the sense that women’s rugby is reaching a wider audience.

“The crowds were unreal and every week they grew in size. Hearing my family back home about how many people were talking about our team and seeing us on every screen was unreal,” Smith said.

Kabeya added, “Rugby is a sport that is welcoming and has space for all, whether that’s on or off the pitch.

“With the game growing so publicly, hopefully more people can see themselves in the sport.”

Supporting the Domestic Game

Alongside their international achievements, the players’ journeys reflect the strength of the domestic programmes that helped develop them.

Kukri have supported UBC Women’s Rugby for over a decade, as well as their long-standing partnership with Loughborough Lightning, providing tailored match kit and training wear that inspires athletes to perform.

“It’s very well-rounded rugby kit. It’s comfortable, durable and survives some pretty chaotic training sessions and games,” Smith said.

“Kukri emphasizes the ‘feel good, play good’ mantra.”

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on their experience, both Smith and Kabeya hope their journeys inspire the next generation of female athletes.

“My advice to young players would be to work hard, trust your process, and surround yourself with supportive people,” said Kabeya.

“Rugby is a sport for everyone, and there’s space for anyone who wants to get involved.”

Smith added, “What excites me most is seeing young girls grow up and watching women at the top of the sport.

“Dreaming big now feels realistic and tangible.”

With partnerships like UBC and Loughborough Lightning, supported by Kukri, these pathways continue to grow, helping athletes develop, compete, and inspire the future of women’s rugby.

Looking to upgrade your rugby sportswear? Explore our bespoke range and design your own here.