I am an English rugby star who became a gladiator in the iconic gameshow Gladiators – here is the biggest challenge of working on television.

The rugby star Jodie Ounsley inspires a new generation

According to The Sun: The women's rugby star in England, Jodie Ounsley, inspires youth in unexpected ways – by participating in the television show Gladiators.

Jodie, known as Fury from the BBC Gladiators, played for the England national team and also for SALE Sharks and Exeter Chiefs.

She had to end her career at the age of 23 due to a shoulder injury but is now applying her rugby skills in a new role.

“I certainly miss the game and the development of the sport. But on the other hand, I feel privileged to be doing what I am doing now,” Jodie told SunSport.

She believes that her participation in the show helps popularize rugby for women among young people, as children can see her embodying the role of Fury and developing an interest in the sport.

“When children see me as Fury, they might think I play rugby and start to become interested in this sport. That is really powerful. I am proud of it,” she added.

Jodie was born deaf and wears a cochlear implant after following in her father's footsteps, who also appeared on the show.

She is a British champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a five-time world champion in carrying coal, but still misses the camaraderie in rugby.

Jodie notes that she feels the difference between the team atmosphere in rugby and the loneliness in her new job.

“I miss my team because rugby means being surrounded by friends you go through a lot with,” she noted.

Ounsley also supports the 'See It. Believe It.' campaign as part of her work as a brand ambassador for Vodafone, aimed at changing the image of women's rugby and reaching a new audience.

“This campaign means a lot to me because I have forged my path in rugby,” she said.

Jodie is confident that if more people see women's rugby, they will realize that it is an exciting spectacle worth attending. It is a game that deserves attention, no matter who plays.

Jodie Ounsley supports the Vodafone campaign 'See It. Believe It.', aimed at breaking down all myths about women's rugby and attracting new viewers.

As part of the campaign, Jodie is collaborating with the storytellers at Goalclick to provide exclusive behind-the-scenes content at all levels of the game.

Jodie Ounsley's commitment to the show and her efforts in promoting women's rugby highlight the growing popularity of this sport. She inspires youth and shows that women's rugby is not just a sport but a lifestyle that should be supported and developed. May Jodie's talent and resilience serve as a role model for many young female athletes.