Jodie Ounsley: From Yorkshire Roots to Inspiring a New generation in Rugby
Jodie Ounsley,a familiar face to many thanks to her appearance on the hit show Gladiators,is quietly making a significant impact on the world of rugby. she’s dedicated to encouraging greater participation in the sport,a mission she approaches with characteristic humility. “If I can have a small impact getting people in sport, I’ll keep doing it,” she shares, adding with a smile, “But I’m still not used to it, I’m just Jodie from Yorkshire.”
Ounsley is leveraging her newfound platform to champion rugby, particularly women’s rugby, which has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity. This growth is largely thanks to the recent Rugby World Cup and its record-breaking attendance and viewership.
A Game Transformed
The landscape of women’s rugby has dramatically shifted in recent years. Previously, securing even a basic livestream for matches was a challenge. “I think the biggest thing at the start was people coming to the game or even watching it being broadcast,” Ounsley explains.
She recalls a time when a YouTube livestream felt like a monumental achievement. Now,the audience has exploded,fueled by the World Cup’s success. “You’d think it was the best thing ever if your game was on YouTube,” she says. “Now there has been this huge shift. It’s being celebrated and people are watching us. People saw this World Cup and have had their mind changed.”
Here’s how the recent World Cup has impacted the game:
* Increased Visibility: Matches were broadcast to wider audiences than ever before.
* Record Attendance: More fans attended games in person, demonstrating growing interest.
* Shifting Perceptions: the World Cup challenged preconceived notions about women’s rugby.
* Growing Celebration: The sport is now receiving the recognition and celebration it deserves.
Ounsley’s work as a rugby ambassador, supported by Vodafone and the ‘See it. Believe it.’ campaign, underscores her commitment to inspiring the next generation of players. Her story is a testament to the power of visibility and the potential for anyone, even “just Jodie from Yorkshire,” to make a lasting difference.
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