In a women’s game shifting towards professionalism, just making it to England has been a big challenge for many
W
hen the women’s Rugby World Cup starts next week 512 players from 16 squads will have a chance to represent their country on the sport’s biggest stage. It will be a proud moment for all but perhaps none will deserve it more than the part-timers who have to juggle playing professionally with jobs outside the sport to make ends meet.
Among many diverse life stories are the tales of three props: the Canadian firefighter Olivia DeMerchant, the Brazilian tattoo artist and animator Samara Vergara, and the Samoan property manager and mother of four Denise Aiolupotea.
Aiolupotea, who plays in New Zealand for the Hurricanes at club level, has had financial help from her family to achieve her World Cup dream given the non-professional status of the Samoa team. Additional support from her husband and family has enabled her to prepare while juggling a full-time job in a packed schedule.
