As Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week 2024 draws to a close, three Scotland rugby stars who are currently in South Africa have given their thoughts on why keeping active is so important and have also given some tips to youngsters.
“Sport gives you such a great opportunity to meet new people, to learn new skills and I think for me sport was such an important step in terms of learning a lot about being part of a team and about building relationships with other people and working together,” Meryl Smith, who was named player of the match in the 19-13 win over Japan on Saturday in Cape Town, said.
I’d say to young girls just get involved in as much as possible, playing different sports helps with so many different aspects of life while the skills will help you if you then go on to focus on one sport.
“Just being able to play different sports gives you a great chance to try new things, maybe get to go to cool places or even just to play in the park with your friends. Just having fun and staying active is the key.”
“I think it’s so important to dip into as many sports as you can,” Sarah Bonar, who was playing in the second-row in that same match in the Athlone Sports Stadium, added.
“The skills you learn from them are transferable to other walks of life. In rugby in particular you’ve got a squad of 30 away on tour with you that all have and offer different things on and off the pitch. That makes the sport so unique and special.”
Rachel Malcolm is the Scotland captain who has led them to 12 wins in the last 15 Tests including the Japan one and one last week versus Italy which was 19-0.
She said: “Never compare yourself to other people. Your journey is unique and your rate of progress is unique. Comparison is definitely the thief of joy, so focus on yourself and what makes you happy.
“Find a sport or activity which makes you happy and only worry about number one in terms of happiness.”
You can watch Smith, Bonar, Malcolm and co aim to win WXV 2 and, as a result, the same silverware they lifted last year next Saturday, October 12.
It is at the Athlone Sports Stadium at 4pm UK time on Saturday and live on BBC iPlayer and RugbyPass TV.
The current Scotland rugby squad are pictured, thanks to Scottish Rugby
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