Rugby, Autism, and the Power of Belonging

In the world of sports, few communities embody inclusivity and camaraderie quite like rugby. It’s a game built on respect, resilience, and unity—values that extend far beyond the pitch. Yet, what many may not realize is how profoundly impactful rugby can be for individuals with disabilities, especially those on the autism spectrum.

In a society where neurodivergent individuals often struggle to be seen and accepted as equals, rugby offers something rare: a place where everyone is truly welcome. Whether as players, coaches, referees, or team supporters, individuals with autism have found a meaningful home in the rugby community. It’s not just about playing a game—it’s about finding purpose, connection, and a sense of belonging.

For some time, I’ve wanted to highlight this powerful intersection between rugby and autism. My goal was to share a story that could offer hope—hope to those on the spectrum that there is a place for them in sport, and hope to families that their loved ones can thrive in environments built on acceptance and support.

That’s why I’m honored to share a Q&A with Zia Sadler, a remarkable individual on the autism spectrum who is actively involved in rugby. Her openness and insight are deeply inspiring. This conversation isn’t just about her journey—it’s about showing others that they, too, can find their place and flourish.

This project was especially meaningful to me because my 15-year-old daughter, who is preparing for her first season of tackle rugby, helped craft some of the questions. She was eager to learn from Zia’s experience and excited to see her responses. It was a beautiful moment of connection—one that reminded me why stories like Zia’s matter so much.

I also want to extend a sincere apology to Zia. Her responses were shared with me months ago, and due to my own delays, this post is long overdue. I’m grateful for her patience and understanding, and even more grateful for her willingness to be vulnerable and generous with her story.

Rugby has always been more than a sport—it’s a movement. And within that movement, there’s room for everyone. Let’s continue to celebrate and amplify the voices that remind us of that truth.

LLR-  When did you start playing rugby? 

ZS- I've been playing the sport since I was a baby, there are photos of me with a ball and we’re about the same size. One of the aspects I love about rugby is the camaraderie, safety, and respect given both on and off the field. 

 I will have a very different experience to someone who found out early in life they are autistic, I am a late/adult diagnosed autistic and this grew up masking to a detrimental/damaging degree.

LLR-What club are you currently affiliated with? 

ZS- I was affiliated with the Tacoma Sirens, and coached the University of Puget Sound Women Rugby club.

 My recent teams I’ve been open about being autistic and while there has been positive reactions, as I lacked understanding of my own sensory sensitivities (essentially lacking understanding of how autism presents in me) I couldn’t communicate what help I needed. As there was a struggle to communicate, I did earn some ire from them. 

LLR- What do you enjoy most about playing rugby?

ZS- I enjoy the act of playing rugby, as I find it soothing/therapeutic.

 I enjoy contact in rugby, learning to move in your own body in a stable and strong way. I think that helped me avoid having even more than I do. But my favorite form of rugby is touch, as I have played with 50 year old's and 10 year olds at the same time.

LLR- Who's your favorite rugby player? 

ZS- Sammy Sullivan, she’s open about her love for Legos.

LLR- What are you most proud of during your rugby journey? 

ZS- My tenacity/resilience, I learned to keep moving, get up after ever knock down. 

LLR- Have you ever been over stimulated while playing ?

ZS- Not particularly, though I am somewhat sensory seeking (at times seek new sensory stimuli, at times avoid it). Growing up playing it in England you’re always covered in mud by the end of any practice or match.

LLR- Has there ever been moments where during a game or practice you had a hard time processing what's happening and how did you get through it?

ZS- I benefited from always being around rugby and so learned the rules so I don’t remember during games. Practice, I would ask for clarification, or for it to be explained another way. I found that learning how to re-explain an idea to myself helped me understand it. And I can then ask the coach if my interpretation is similar enough.

LLR- Do you have any advice for others who have Autism and want to join rugby ? 

ZS- Understanding any sensory sensitivities and how to help alleviate or find moments to take a break when overstimulated. Examples being too much noise - noise canceling headphones, mud on the body being too much sensory - washing it off, if uncomfortable with swapping rugby kits - have an individual rugby kit that only you use. And advice I would give anyone is knowing your limits is just as important as knowing your resting point.

-Photos are of Zia -

*please visit new LLRugby merch store to pickup #AutismInRugby clothing with funds to be donated back to the community. ---->  LLRugby Autism In Rugby

Its an ELK mob!

Let me first start by saying this was supposed to be released weeks ago, many weeks ago and I deeply apologize.  I can go on and on as to why it took so long but I hope most of you understand that life just happened.  

With that said I am super stoaked about this next Q&A, not only is this a new rugby club forming but it also is serving a gap between the more higher count club community in and around Seattle and the vast portland metro area. I've personally traveled through this region  many times and still do every so often when going from Oregon to Washington to see family in Oak Harbor or to catch a Seawolves match. I love hearing about ruyby clubs starting in small communities because I truly believe if given a chance those programs can really bring that place together and create something special that many larger population location clubs lack or just can't quite grasp. Located in Centralia, WA in Lewis County. The Elks are gearing up to help further spread the great game of rugby and also just maybe, produce the next great Seawolve or Eagle. 

Thank you D.J for taking the time to answer these questions and being massively patient in me getting this posted. 

LLR- How did you get involved with rugby?

D.j- When I was younger my dad asked me if I wanted to watch a cool new sport. I said “yes” and turned on 7s tournament. Shortly after started playing at a young age. Now running a youth club!

LLR- When was the club founded? 

D.J- December 2024

LLR- What level of Rugby do the elks play?

D.J- We play at a D2 Highschool level. We are still very new and doing everything we can to encourage players to try a new sport. 

LLR- Where is the club located in Washington?

D.J- We are located in Centralia,WA but encourage anywhere in Lewis County to come try rugby. 

LLR- What's been the most challenging part thus far running a rugby club?

D.J- Getting the word out of rugby to the local schools and finding a pitch to call home I would say is the most difficult. 

LLR- Has there been anyone or group that's been supportive and resourceful in helping ?

D.J.- I have asked for mentorship from other clubs in my division and they have been more than helpful with information. As well as talking to my former coaches who have helped a lot. 

LLR- Where are practices held and where will home field be ? 

D.J- As of right now, Centralia Athletic director has been more then helpful on letting me use a practice field for the time being.

LLR- What is a 5 year goal, where would you like to see things at?

D.J- My goal at 5 years, would be to have youth to high school rugby flowing with the cities around the club to support to give the most opportunities to the youth. Also, to be able to take tours out of state to expand the visibility of rugby for our area and have the players make life long connections. 

LLR- How is recruitment going thus far?

D.J- When the club first started it was very rough but as I am responding to this, I have had a couple players reach out to their friends and we are slowing building up. 

LLR- How can players,supporters and sponsors get in touch?

D.J- We have a Facebook page Lewis County Elks or an email LewisCountyElks@gmail.com

LLR- Any advice for those who are considering wanting to get involved with rugby? 

D.J- For starting a club, do everything you can to get the word out and email and visit local businesses to get sponsorships. Other than that, remember why you are apart of rugby and how great the sport is on and off the field 

* I really look forward to seeing this club grow and on our next trip up to Washington, stopping by and saying hi. 

Back the Pack

Its been some time since I've done one of these and I've actually had this sitting in que for quite a bit. I want to thank the entire women's wolf pack team for being patient with me on getting this posted. The Western Oregon University rugby clubs have always been a cherished program and university for me to follow. in the shadows of University of Oregon and Oregon State University lays another great university and a great rugby program. Situated in Monmouth is Western University Oregon, Both the men's and women's rugby clubs have carved out there own corner of the NW of tradition and support. I want to thank the women's club for taking some time and answering these questions below, I truly look forward to seeing how much this club continues to grow and position themselves to being the power house of the west.

LLR- When was the women's club founded ?

WOU- 2003. During this time we've completed at Nationals three times, twice for 15s and once for 7s, which was last year. 

LLR- What conference and division does the team play in?

WOU- Cascade Collegiate Women's Rugby Conference  DIII (Small College)

We have a total of 4 teams in the conference: WOU, Willamette University, Reed and Lewis & Clark Community College, University of Puget Sound (WA).

We also are registered through National Collegiate Rugby, one of several rugby organizations in the country. 

LLR- If you had to choose, who would be the Wolves fiercest rival on the pitch ? 

WOU- At this time Willamette University is our biggest rival.

LLR- How is the relationship between the women's rugby and the other club teams on campus?

WOU- We maintain healthy relationships with other club sports, though our closet relationship is with the men's rugby club. 

LLR- Is there any engagement with the local community?

WOU- Absolutely. Since my time as head coach I've started to build relationships with local high schools' rugby programs as well as the PNW Loggers, which is part of USA Rugby's National Development Program, creating pathways and opportunities for those pursuing rugby at the next level. 

LLR- What is a tradition that the club has that not many people may know of?

WOU- Rugby has several traditions, rooted in its deep culture. One of the most prominent traditions is the social, which is where players from all the teams gather after the match—win or lose—to share drinks, food, and stories. This reinforces rugby’s ethos of sportsmanship and respect. There is typically a theme where everyone dresses up, sings songs together, and chooses players of the match based on performance.

LLR- What type of events are done for player recruitment?

WOU- Through our outreach to local high school rugby programs we've created an opportunity to recruit players through multiple pathways. We invite the individuals to games where they can interact with the team, provide tours of the campus, and assist them with the ins and outs of transitioning from high school to college such as FAFSA applications, navigation of the variety of scholarships available to them, housing, and job searches. 

LLR- There does seem to be an upswing in more girls playing rugby around the country, what sets WOU apart for incoming students to come out and have a run?

WOU- What we're doing here at WOU is taking the existing foundation that was created and elevating it to the next level. We've become more competitive, playing higher level competition outside of our conference. We went to NCR's Collegiate Rugby Championships last year where we placed 14th in the small college division in the country. This year we have our sights set on the top 5. We value and honor our history with hard work and commitment, creating an environment that fosters diversity and inclusiveness, promoting success both on and off the pitch. 

LLR- Lastly, what words of encouragement can you offer to young girls right now playing rugby or going out for their first time to a practice ?

WOU- Rugby is an amazing sport that strips away pretense and reveals a lot about a person’s character, resilience, and values. It highlights your strengths and builds upon your opportunities. It gives you the opportunity to find your chosen family, build lasting relationships, and be a part of a team that puts value in teamwork where you empower and motivate one another. If you have the opportunity to be a part of a rugby club, I encourage you to go through it with an open mind and put your best foot forward. Be a part of something great. 

* I want to thank the whole team for being patient in me getting this posted, I am truly grateful that they answered these questions and agreed to a Q&A. i hope you all get a chance to follow their journey and great stories through one of there socials. 

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Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/westernoregonwomxnsrugby/