Gary Heatly in Exeter
Ahead of her 50th Scotland rugby cap today Aberdonian Sarah Bonar says she “could never have imagined” reaching this milestone when she took the game up in 2014.
The 31-year-old second-row will reach the half century against Canada in the Women’s Rugby World Cup Pool B decider at Exeter’s Sandy Park (noon, live on BBC Two).
Bonar grew up chasing Olympic dreams in rowing, pulling for Great Britain at junior and under-23 levels, but the sport’s loneliness weighed heavily on her.
A chance conversation with England Rugby World Cup 2014 winner Danielle Waterman changed everything.
Encouraged to try rugby while at Loughborough University, Bonar found not just a new sport but a new sense of belonging.
“I loved competing, but I hated the individuality of rowing,” she said.
“I’m an extrovert and that spark was starting to fade with rowing after a while.
“After a chat with Nolli (Waterman) I took a break from rowing to see if I missed it or if I’d like rugby and I was like, ‘wow, this sport’s amazing’ and I never looked back.
“My first session at Litchfield RFC, I rocked up in a pair of trainers and one of the girls was like ‘you’re going to need a pair of boots what size shoe are you?’ I was like ‘oh, I’m a size eight’ and she was like ‘here you go’.
“I’ve never come across a sport where everyone is so welcoming. I think that comes from you having your team mates back on the pitch through thick and thin and I just love it.
“I honestly don’t think there is a team sport quite like it. There is quite literally a place for every shape and size, and everyone is valued and appreciated.”
Bonar’s first brush with rugby she mentions came in 2014 and, by 2016, she was making a debut for her country versus Spain.
“I could never have imagined earning 50 caps for my country,” Bonar of English club Harlequins admits.
“With the setbacks I’ve had through injury, there were times I doubted this moment would ever come. Until that first whistle goes, I don’t think I’ll believe it.
“Not many people can say they have played for their country 50 times, so I’m just unbelievably grateful to be in a position where I’m so close to doing that.”
Bonar’s 50th cap will be more than just a number.
It will be enjoyed by her friends and family, including her brother who has travelled from Australia with his wife and son – their first time seeing her play since the Rugby World Cup played in 2022 in New Zealand.
“It feels like I only see my brother at World Cups”, she laughed.
“It’s really special that he and his family here and they’ve come all this way. To have him here for this moment means the world to me.
“Playing for Scotland also means the world.
“The moments in the changing room, pulling on that jersey and going out there with not just team mates but great friends means everything to me.”
Scotland squad to play Canada: Chloe Rollie; Rhona Lloyd, Emma Orr, Lisa Thomson, Francesca McGhie; Helen Nelson, Leia Brebner-Holden; Leah Bartlett, Lana Skeldon, Lisa Cockburn, Emma Wassell, Sarah Bonar, Rachel Malcolm (C), Rachel McLachlan, Evie Gallagher. Subs: Elis Martin, Anne Young, Molly Poolman, Jade Konkel, Eva Donaldson, Alex Stewart, Caity Mattinson, Evie Wills.
The Canada matchday 23 is here.
Sarah Bonar is pictured – thanks to World Rugby
From August 7 until September 30, GH Media will be following the Scotland World Cup journey all of the way. We will be at all of the Scotland matches down south and will be bringing you all of the interviews and news from camp as well as taking a wider look at the tournament as a whole and its impact on the women’s game. Thanks to Quirky Chocolate and other supporters for allowing this content to happen and to readers for engaging with it.