The Experiences of Black Women in Rugby: Intruders in a Sport That They Love

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of Black South African women in rugby, thus contributing to the limited literature on their engagement in this historically male-dominated and racially exclusive sport. The qualitative research approach was adopted, with semi-structured interviews having been conducted with eight purposively sampled and selected participants. The participants included current players, former professionals and rugby administrators, each cohort offering unique insights into their journeys in the sport. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, uncovering thirteen nuanced themes that highlighted the complexity of their journeys. Key themes include: Reflections on identity: The dual struggle of Black Women in rugby; Overcoming institutional bias, resource disparities, and Limited sponsorships; and Defying gender norms. Participants discussed their efforts to navigate systemic challenges while grappling with intersecting identities as Black women in a traditionally male-dominated sport. Additional themes such as: Unseen no more; The visibility challenge in women’s rugby and representation and the quota system: A question of merit, highlighted the barriers to representation and the tensions between inclusion and perceived meritocracy. The study also highlighted the transformative impact of rugby on participants and self-perception and confidence, as captured in themes like; The impact of rugby on self and defying stereotypes; Motivation and fortitude. Despite facing prejudice and systemic exclusion, participants demonstrated resilience and a deep sense of community, as captured in themes such as Beyond the field: The role of community and support in empowering the Women’s Game. The final themes, including, what does the future hold for Black female rugby players, emphasise the hope and advocacy for systemic change and greater inclusion in the sport. These findings contribute to the understanding of the intersectionality of race, gender, and sport, offering valuable insights into the social, institutional, and personal dimensions of rugby. Implications for promoting equity and representation in rugby and recommendations for future research are discussed, underlining the importance of fostering inclusivity in South African sports.