England captain declares sexuality ‘doesn’t matter’ in rugby ahead of women’s Six Nations
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England’s rugby union captain Marlie Packer recently shared her thoughts on the sport’s welcoming nature and encouraged individuals to participate in an exclusive interview. Packer, who was named world player of the year in the previous season, discussed the inclusivity of rugby and its ability to bring people together regardless of differences in background or identity. She emphasized that rugby is a sport for everyone, highlighting its open and accepting community.
During the interview at the Frameless art exhibition in London, Packer expressed her personal experience of never facing discrimination over her sexuality within the sport. She also affirmed that queer women are embraced in rugby, encouraging those hesitant to give the sport a try. Packer emphasized the importance of building friendships through rugby and the opportunities it offers to explore the world, experiences she believes she would not have had otherwise.
As England gears up for the upcoming Guinness Women’s Six Nations tournament, Packer shared her excitement for the competition. The team aims to secure their sixth consecutive title after winning last year’s Grand Slam. Their first match against Italy will mark Packer’s 100th appearance for her country, a significant milestone in her career. The captain emphasized the team’s focus on each game and their commitment to delivering strong performances throughout the tournament.
Reflecting on the growing popularity of women’s rugby, Packer highlighted the significant turnout at games in recent years. The team’s record-breaking match against France at Twickenham drew a crowd of 58,498 spectators, setting a new benchmark for women’s rugby attendance. Packer expressed her ambition to see Twickenham sold out for an England game, underscoring the increasing support and interest in women’s rugby.
Looking ahead to the Women’s Six Nations tournament, Packer expressed confidence in the team’s ability to attract fans and deliver compelling performances on the field. She emphasized the players’ role in driving the growth of women’s rugby by consistently delivering high-quality matches and engaging with supporters. Packer emphasized the importance of maintaining performance standards and building on the momentum of previous successes to continue expanding the fan base and elevating the profile of women’s rugby.
In conclusion, Marlie Packer’s insights shed light on the inclusive nature of rugby and its capacity to bring people together through sport. As England prepares for the Women’s Six Nations tournament, Packer’s leadership and commitment to promoting diversity and acceptance within the sport set a positive example for players and fans alike. With a focus on inclusivity and community, rugby continues to serve as a platform for individuals from all backgrounds to come together, compete, and celebrate the joy of sport.
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