Interview: Gill Burns MBE

Spotlight: Women’s rugby leading the way

Gill Burns MBE has a long list of credits to her name; ex England Captain and winner of the World Cup in 1994, ex-President of the RFUW and ambassador of Wooden Spoon.

Spoonews asked Gill about her role in paving the way for women’s rugby today: “I’m honoured to be one of the so-called pioneers. We started in the mid-eighties – at the time we weren’t aware that we were being pioneers. We were simply playing rugby as it’s the best game in the world. If nobody organised it for us, it wasn’t going to happen. “Now more than ever the Women’s Rugby World Cup has the power to inspire children due to the visibility of the tournament. I’ve been in New Zealand for the Women’s World Cup this year, and it’s been amazing seeing children inspired by the players, finally seeing women play and accepting it as normal. “When the Lionesses won the Euros this year, we saw children inspired and taking up the sport. We’d love to see the Red Roses in the World Cup have the same impact. “Next year’s Women’s Six Nations is sponsored by TikTok, and the Red Roses are going to be playing France at Twickenham Stadium in April – a brilliant opportunity for children to see a game at an iconic stadium. “Women’s rugby didn’t receive lottery funding until late in my career. Up to that point, we relied on the voluntary support of coaches and medical staff. “Today, female rugby players have access to the best level of support including coaches, physios, sports therapists, recovery tools, nutrition and more. Consequently, players are performing better, which inspires more people to play. This is a really exciting time for women’s rugby.” Gill is also passionate about her role as Wooden Spoon Ambassador: “I have been involved in the charity since the mid-90s when I was England captain, and I absolutely love it. The work they are doing is incredible, and I’m honoured to play a small part in helping them to achieve their goals. “I love getting involved in whatever way I can. Most recently, I played at Vets Fest – a tournament of male and female seasoned rugby players coming together to raise funds for vulnerable children and young people across the UK.”

Gill Burns represented England over 70 times during her stellar international career Gill Burns MBE in her Vets Fest rugby top