The first Sikh woman to play rugby for England

The first Sikh woman to represent England at rugby says she wants to break down the cultural barriers that may prevent others accessing the game.

Manjinder Nagra, from Hove, East Sussex, started playing at Bath University in the 1990s where she was then selected to play for England Students.

“When I went home, unfortunately, the expectation for me was to stop playing rugby, to start looking for a job, to think about getting married and have children,” she said.

Manjinder’s dream of a senior England call-up ended and she pursued a career in law, but she continued to be involved in the game and, 10 years ago, set up Hove Girls Rugby.

She said: “I suppose my life was like a rugby version of Bend It Like Beckham I often say.

“Quite often when I played, I was the only person of Asian heritage on the pitch, and that was in my 30 years of play.

“People need reminding that we are a community that is engaged in sport, we’re good at sport. We just need the chance and the opportunities, and people to reach out to us.”

When Manjinder founded Hove Girls Rugby, the team had just six players, but now have about 80 girls playing across four different age groups.

She says the Women’s Rugby World Cup coming to England later this year will have a “phenomenal” impact on attracting players from all backgrounds into the sport.

Brighton & Hove is one of eight cities hosting matches.

Manjinder said: “I didn’t have role models when I was growing up, but if these girls can see the change, see their role models, it will encourage them to think about a sport that they may not have otherwise a thought of.”

Mark Ward is the head coach of the U12 girls at Hove Girls Rugby and says they are looking forward to watching international rugby at the home of Brighton & Hove Albion.

“There’s already a buzz in the club about it,” he said.

“We’ve already planned the events around it. Loads of the girls have already got tickets for the games at the Amex and the final at Twickenham as well.”

England are hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup starting in August.

The Red Roses will face Australia in Brighton on 6 September with the match being shown live on BBC Sport.