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

Starfire experience

This past weekend me and my father attended the USA vs Uruguay match in Tukwila , WA. At Starfire stadium . I've heard nothing but grate reviews about the atmosphere at Starfire , home of the 2018 MLR champions Seattle SeaWolves.
We stayed at a near by hotel, the Hampton Inn. The walk to and from was about 15 minutes, even on a chilly evening it was a nice quick walk and easy to find our way to the actual stadium being that Starfire is a sporting complex. When walking up it was a bit confusing as to where to enter from, but we just fallowed the crowd. There was only two tents for merch but selections where limited. USA rugby merch was available in one tent but was mostly Adidas gear no cantebury . No sizes above XL . No shirts only sweaters and away white jerseys. It may seem most likely the bulk of the gear went to Vegas. Seawolves also where limited, not much size selections if you had kids younger then 5/6 years old. But none the less was able to walk away with a small Seawolves ball for the baby and shirts which my kids will grow into of Seawolves, and a USA rugby sweater which I was in dire need of needing a new rugby sweatshirt.
Starfire stadium it self was pretty good. Great view of the whole field, seating was okay. If your a big fellow like me do not sit in the chair back seating, if you do I highly recommend sitting in front row or bleacher seating. The gentleman next to me and I could barely move and had to rotate which side we where leaning towards.
Two big thumbs way up for the PA announcer. Well educated on what was happening on the field and made it way easy for people who are not fully aware of the rules of rugby to fallow. Clear on all penalty calls , didn't have to leave over every time and explain to my dad what happened.
Surprisingly there was limited to no booing any of the kickers and even though there was much drinking in the stands the crowd was pretty well behaved. My suggestion for those in charge though is maybe get one or two vendors to walk around selling a few drinks  and basic foods would be pretty awesome.
I propose a family funzone for all SeaWolves matches for those who have children or wish to bring there child. Oregon State University just added something like this recently for there football games and upon visiting what they have done I believe the Seawolves would benefit greatly. From OSU- "Benny's Lodge, located on the concourse, with three sections, including games for kids ranging from toddlers, to ages 4-8 and 9-12. There will also be kid friendly and healthy menu options as well an area to check in strollers and "baby break rooms." Benny Beaver will make regular appearances to the area pregame and during the game, as well." What was in place was a bounce house, corn holes, coloring station with pictures of beavers (can easily be changed to whales or rugby. Football tossing games, again change to rugby. Rucky can hang out there pre game and during the game.
My last input is for Starfire to be a Autism Acceptance facility and to partner with Kulturcity to provide those with sensory overload and enjoyable time when attending any event at the facility. What does that entail you may ask, simple. A sensory bag for those who need it that includes a wrist band or some form of identification so staff can identify anyone who has sensory overload issues, noise canceling headphones and a map of the facilities such as closest restroom, exit and entrance or security desk. A game day program of events happening such as if there is pregame or post game fireworks, when the anthems will be played expected times for kick offs and game ending. Also training staff members/volunteers how to assist in anyone in need and comfort those who maybe having a difficult time. These may all seem useless and waste of man power, but if you can provide a enjoyable experience not just for the person with sensory issues but the family or friend attending the match with them you have now made them a fan for life and a very happy person. Shouldn't that be what we need to strive for.
 Overall my experience for a test matches at Starfire was good and I would give a A grade. Minor stuff here and there for improvement but this is only year two of the complex hosting rugby events and more amenities and gameday experience I am sure will be added and changed.
On my bucket list is still to visit infinity park , but next to Ray Sheeran field at SFGG , Starfire is my favorite place to watch rugby matches and will be attending more down the road.

MLR & Autism - update

  Would like to pass along an update from MLR. I sent over a email to the league and pointed them to my recent post. Jessica Kunzer the marketing and communications director responded back that they hear my concerns and are working with everyone involved to make it a high quality experience for all fans.

  Great first step but just one email and one post wont be enough, as we draw closer to April and through out April I will continue to advocate for Autism awareness and acceptance into not just MLR but all the clubs and the Rugby community. thank you all who took the time to read my first post about this issue and ask that you keep up the work and asking for sensory friendly game day experience for those with ASD.

#AutismInRugby

*there will be a T-shirt fundraiser coming soon , all proceeds made will be divided up and donated to local Autism programs in each MLR market .Stay Tuned.

MLR & Autism

I have in the past written a few write ups on how Rugby and those in the Autism society can and should build bridges to each other. I as a rugby fan, player, coach but most of all a father to someone who is on the spectrum ask and plead with the MLR to please help make it a league that is accepting of those with all disabilities. This league kicks off in April which just so happens to be Autism awareness month, how perfect would it be to see not just the front office of MLR but all clubs contribute in some form of an outreach to their perspective local communities in support of those in that area who are living on the spectrum. I also am asking that each club take the necessary steps to ensure that there home playing locations are equipped with Autism friendly services such as I'm A-OK, Kulturecity and many more national programs to not just make game day experiences easier for those with ASD but also there families as well. 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with some form of autism every year with know known reason as to why but through the powerful sport of rugby we can all help make a difference in every day lives and introduce countless families into this amazing rugby community.

I implore you to reach out to your MLR club, current or future member such as New York, and ask them to help make this league and all of  Major League Rugby Autism friendly. Tweet, Facebook, Instagram MLR and there 7 clubs with the hashtag  #AutismInRugby

Remember to light it up Blue this April!

MLR- www.usmlr.com/connect/

Utah Warriors- www.warriorsrugby.com/contact/
Seattle Seawolves- www.seattleseawolves.com/contact/
NOLA Gold- www.nolagoldrugby.com/contact-us
Austin Elite - N/A
Glendale Raptors- www.glendaleraptors.com/contact/
San Diego Legion- www.sdlegion.com/contact
Houston Sabercats- N/A

* Articles of Rugby impact on peoples lives with Autism.

Rugby changed my son's life

Parents hail 'enormous' benefits of rugby training for autistic children

Rugby, kids and Autism. An amazing story

my daughter and I at the Alumni game a few years ago for San Jose State University.

Pro Rugby & Autism 4/02/2016

I am absolutely excited for PRORugby to finally kick off, with that said I write this open letter or plea to those in charge to take the opportunity and use the first game in league history and the first month to help bring awareness to Autism and those with loved ones on the Autism Spectrum, ASD. Help shine a light this April and take the time to connect with these amazing people. It's not just kids but adults with ASD who have a hard time in a "normal" setting that we all take for granted.



Since my daughter was identified on the spectrum we have been active and engaging when it comes to activism, we have met other families and individuals with the same qualities or similar and others who are more sever then our daughter. With all the recent education that organizations such as Autism Speaks and The Autism Society and countless others who may not be as poplar in name recognition, like Parents Helping Parents in san Jose , CA , there is still so much that needs to be done to help support and educate countless others about the in's and out's of dealing with someone with ASD and how to provide a equal opportunity in not just a education setting but through out America. Whether that's how to confront a class mate or co worker who is having an issue in focusing with outburst or making sure that the person who has ASD is understanding and equipped with how to handle situations outside of there own home while engaging "normal" people out in the world that we find so easily to do.

To the people over at Pro Rugby North America and the founding clubs, San Francisco, San Diego , Sacramento , Denver ,Ohio ,Why not have Autism Awareness night. Invite the local Autism organizations in each market where you currently have clubs, offer if not free then half off priced tickets to be sold to anyone involved and seeking help through that organization. Have a booth for those groups to hand out information available for people to stop by and ask question. Have a sensory are set aside during the game day festivities and the game its self.

Wear Blue Autism awareness Night: Encourage your Fans to Wear Blue during the month of April in support of those who have ASD, give local Charites or the non-profits in the area a profile in the game day programs or plugins during the game announcements. Have players wear Autism Awareness warm up T's or shoelaces similar to what the Glendale Raptors did last year. Invite the youth to walk out with the players, and parents if child needs assistance.

This past year the Seattle Seahawks them self's took an amazing step forward to insuring that fans but with ASD can enjoy game days, " But the Seahawks just took steps to make that environment a little more accommodating: The team now offers special toolkits to fans on the autism spectrum, giving them some gear to improve their experience at the game." Special tool kits were created and provided by the non-profit group called I'm A-Okay, "The kits feature both noise cancelling headphones and earplugs, since many children with autism are sensitive to noise. The kids also have a detailed game day schedule to help parents prep for every aspect of the visit to the stadium. A toy is included, as well as stickers and ID wristbands to let other fans know that the child may experience some difficulties at the game." such simple yet effective way to help make attending a rugby match in America that much more enjoyable for the fan who is on the Spectrum and for a parent like my self who wants to take there child to a game.

There is countless other ways that you ProRugby can do your part and USA Rugby for that matter also, you can make a big difference in countless lives. I am just a man sitting at his key board reaching out to you who have the power to  make a difference in so many life's and impact so many others. As much as the general public is a wear of some the underlying issues that associate with someone on the spectrum in society there is still so much that needs to be taught and understood. A mother or father should not have to apologize to the other people in line at the grocery store when there son or daughter break out into a tantrum and they can not get them to calm down, A young man or woman should not feel embarrassed if in the middle of class or work they have to leave and isolate them self's because they cant stop the urge to hit them self's or stop fidgeting. Parents should not be a shamed because there child is different!

Dear PRO Rugby North America this April help #LighItUpBlue at the many games happening next month, bring #AutismAwareness to the rugby community and the rugby community to the Autism community. Get in contact with the people at autism friendly locations or the other organizations through out America about possibly getting the same "Tool Kits" that where provided to the Seattle Seahawks to help make the games that much more enjoyable for that young fan, for that family , individual person. I encourage you to please help make a impact in the many lives of people who have Autism Spectrum Disorder, I promise you that not just Pro Rugby but the over all sport of Rugby will leave a everlasting life changing experience to everyone it touches. Can you imagine the day that a USA rugby player who is representing on the National team or playing his/her first Pro Rugby match is someone who is on the spectrum, that is a day I look forward to see.

And if you are still not convinced that the Sport of Rugby and Autism don't mix, here is a few articles from the UK where the sport of rugby was introduced to kids with ASD and had a very positive effect on there lives and actually helped young people come out of there shell's and begin to interact with other people, sadly these articles are quite old and have not found anything recent just yet but am open to adding them if anyone wish's to inform me. 1) - Parents hail 'enormous' benefits of rugby training for autistic children    2) - Kicking autism into touch


I ask those of you who wish to see some action to please connect with ProRugby through there social media sites and urge them to step up and make a difference in 2016 and to also get in contact with USA Rugby to help make every game Autism Friendly, use #AutismAwerness or #RugbysupportsAutism #AutismInRugby when posting please.

PRO RUGBY-
Twitter: @ProRugbyUSA
Facebook: www.facebook.com/prorugby
Instagram: @PRO_Rugby_USA
Website: www.prorugby.org/

USA RUGBY-
Twitter: @USARugby
Facebook: www.facebook.com/usarugby
Website: www.usarugby.org