The Women in Sport Podcast: Zainab Alema of Richmond Rugby

We are delighted to introduce the fifth episode of our Women in Sport Podcast, where we discuss developments, initiatives, and issues relating to women in sports and the associated legal implications. In this episode, Partner Emma Bartlett and Trainee Solicitor Mitchell Blythe are joined by a special guest, Sunday Times Grassroots Sportswoman of the Year 2020 and rugby player for Richmond Rugby, Zainab Alema to discuss the following: 1. Zainab's ambition of becoming the first Black Muslim woman to play for England Rugby and her progress so far in overcoming stereotypes. 2. The origin and meaning of her nickname 'The Bulldozer'. 3. The importance of representation in sport and Zainab's experience in meeting one of her sporting heroes, former England and Saracens W.R.F.C player, Maggie Alphonsi. 4. The new ground-breaking maternity, pregnant parent, and adoption policy unveiled by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) which seeks to promote the health and safety of rugby players and normalise motherhood in sport. 5. The future of women's rugby and Zainab's involvement in growing the women's game at a grass roots level, including her incredible project Studs in the Mud with the Atlas Charity.