Plans have been announced to launch what could become the UK’s first Muslim women’s rugby team.
Richmond player Zainab Alema, the first visibly Muslim woman to compete in Premiership Women’s Rugby, is aiming to establish “Muslimah Rugby,” with a 10-a-side debut match expected in London later this summer.
Alema, a loose-head prop for the south-west London club, said the initiative is about creating a dedicated space for Muslim women in a sport where they remain underrepresented, Hyphen Online reported.
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Her move reflects a shift from playing to building something more lasting, especially as health challenges have paused her time in the premiership.
“The buck cannot stop with me,” she said. “Now that I’m not playing in the premiership at the moment, there’s no one else. I need to build something that hopefully will open doors for other Muslim women to climb up the ladder.”
The team is still in its early stages. Alema plans to launch it with a friendly match against Black Girls Ruck, a group supporting Black women in rugby. She hopes to recruit around 20 players, allowing participants to rotate and maximize involvement.
Addressing concerns that a Muslim women’s team might be seen as divisive, Alema described it as an entry point rather than a barrier.
“I don’t think any two communities experience things the same way,” she said. “If you call yourself a Muslim, you’re a woman, and you love rugby, or you want to get into rugby, this space is for you. We support you and we want to celebrate you.”
Her own experience in the sport has shaped her vision. As a Black, hijab-wearing Muslim woman, she described feeling isolated in a male-dominated environment — something she hopes to change by fostering a sense of belonging.
“If I can get more women to pick up a rugby ball because of this team,” she said, “it’s a win-win situation for the rugby community as a whole.”
Since announcing the project on Instagram on April 10, Alema — who currently has no budget — has received strong interest from players, sponsors, and creatives.
“I’ve been inundated with messages,” said Alema. “Now I think my issue is actually going through the messages and deciding who I want to be a part of it all, which is a fantastic place to be in.”
She is now in discussions with potential sponsors and venues, emphasizing the importance of aligning with the team’s values. The project has also drawn early interest from the Rugby Football Union, alongside support from Richmond RFC.
Looking ahead, Alema hopes to build more than a single team — with plans for training, future fixtures, and even international opportunities.
“The plans I have for this thing are huge,” she said. “I want us to be able to go on tour and do it in a halal way.”
Her message to those unsure about joining is simple: “Come and join. Even if you feel you’re not a rugby player, you’ll still have a space.”