Sue Day: England's top try scorer changing the landscape for women in rugby

England rugby legend Sue Day is the latest trailblazer to make a guest appearance on The Game Changers podcast.

The versatile former fullback enjoyed a decorated career on the pitch, captaining the Red Roses at 15s and 7s, featuring in three World Cups and taking home three Grand Slam titles. Day is also England’s record top try scorer with 61 from 59 international caps.

Since her retirement, Day has continued to change the landscape of rugby. In 2013, she became Wasps FC’s first ever female president in the club’s 146-year history and was given an MBE in 2020 for her services to gender equality in sport.

Unlike many young girls today, Day admitted it wasn’t until she started university that she had her first taste of playing rugby. Attending a state school meant neither girls nor boys participated in rugby, so it took until her adulthood before she first picked up a ball.

It was during her year out in Barcelona for her French and Spanish degree that rugby presented itself to her.

Day admitted she was initially looking to join a hockey team while out in Spain, but she “got bitten by the bug” of rugby and never looked back. The team “took me to their hearts,” which was a huge comfort for Day, who was living hundreds of miles away from home. 

“I love all sports but I think I just found my home in rugby, the simplicity of the game,” she admitted.

Day’s career started off at an “entirely amateur” level, but she soon became one of England’s most established internationals.

She reflected on how much things have changed for girls and women looking to establish themselves in the sport. With more funding, facilities and investment, women’s rugby already looks completely different, but there were also breakthrough moments