News article
The power of having a role model
A OnePoll study has revealed that 83% of girls believe that female sports stars are inspirational role models.
Half of respondents also said they had been motivated to take up sport after watching the success of female athletes.
The stats were published ahead of the 2024 Guinness Women’s Six Nations, which kicked off last week.
Scottish Rugby also celebrated the power of its women’s side, by unveiling a series of sustainable statues in Edinburgh in partnership with Scottish Gas.
The statues are made from 100% recycled plastics, and tell the stories of Scottish rugby legend Donna Kennedy, as well as current players Lisa Thomson and Francesca McGhie. The aim is to inspire even more young girls to play rugby.
After an initial stint on the streets of the Scottish capital, the statues were transported to Hive Stadium, where they will be displayed ahead of this weekend’s match against France and the England fixture on April 13.
“It’s amazing to be recognised as a trailblazer and hear how inspirational female athletes can be,” said Kennedy, who is the appearance record-holder for Scotland Women.
“What we see around us and what we’re exposed to has a huge bearing on our development and with women’s rugby in Scotland going from strength to strength it’s a great time to encourage more young girls to watch and play the game.”