Women’s Sport Week showcase: Sarah Hogwood

To celebrate Women’s Sport Week 2016, Scottish Rugby is showcasing women who are making a difference to rugby in Scotland. Today we shine the spotlight on Sarah Hogwood who coaches BT Women’s Premier League side RHC Cougars. The Rugby Development Officer took up coaching to challenge herself.Name: Sarah HogwoodAge: 24Club: RHC CougarsRole: Coach & playerI coach rugby because … It’s something I enjoy and am passionate about.How long have you been involved in rugby? I’ve been involved in rugby for about nine years. I first took up playing at high school and have gradually become more and more involved in rugby since then.Why did you get involved? I got involved in coaching because I wanted to challenge myself and prove that it was something that women can do too. In my eyes the coaching side of rugby is seen as being very male dominated and I want to challenge that.What do you love about rugby? I love the community and family culture that rugby creates – being part of something special.Why should women get involved in rugby? Why shouldn’t they?! Rugby is a sport that caters to people of all abilities, skill levels, shapes, sizes and fitness levels.How has sport made an impact on your life? Rugby has made a huge impact on my life as it’s helped me develop confidence, resilience, communication skills and team working abilities. It’s also taught me respect and helped make me who I am today. I currently work as a Rugby Development Officer.What would you say to a woman or girl who is thinking about giving rugby a go? Give it a try – you’ll never know until you do.Try rugbyWomen and girls can sign up at scottishrugby.org to kick start their involvement in what is a unique game for all shapes, sizes and abilities. There are plenty of ways to get involved from coaching to refereeing and volunteering as well as playing.