At just 18, Isla is already making her mark both on and off the pitch. A committed member of Sandal Girls Rugby, she’s not only a talented U18s player but also a qualified referee — showing real leadership and passion for the game. With plans to begin her RFU Coaching Award soon, she’s keen to keep inspiring the next generation of girls in rugby. We caught up with her ahead of the Sandal Girls Rugby Festival to hear about her journey, her love for the sport, and what’s next in her rugby story.

How did you first get involved in rugby, and what made you fall in love with the game?
"When I was younger, I used to watch my Dad play. One day, he brought me down to the club to have a go at minis touch rugby, and honestly, I've never looked back since! The energy, the teamwork, and the feeling of belonging made me fall in love with the sport right away."

What inspired you to become a qualified referee at such a young age?
"I went to an introduction to refereeing course a few years ago, and it sparked my interest. I thought it would be a great way to give back to the game, and I could easily give it a go alongside my coaching responsibilities (which I was involved in at the time). Understanding the game from the ref's perspective is fascinating."

How has refereeing changed the way you see the game as a player?
"Refereeing really changes your view of the game entirely! As a player, you begin to understand the rules to a new level—not just what they are, but why they are applied. It also helps you understand the match official's point of view and what they need from the players to make their job easier and the game flow better."

What’s been your proudest moment so far in rugby – either as a player or a ref?
"That’s a tough one because my proudest moments are split between the two roles! As a referee, I had the incredible chance to hold the England flag on the Twickenham pitch before a major international match. But as a player, I’ve had the pleasure of reaching three national cup finals in the girls’ section with my team, which felt absolutely awesome and is hard to beat!"

You’re planning to start your RFU Coaching Award soon – what are you most looking forward to about that step?
"I'm looking forward to significantly improving my coaching skills and learning a different, more effective approach to communication and session planning. Moving forward, I want to be able to help younger girls feel the same passion for rugby that I found."

How do you balance your time between playing, studying, and refereeing?
"It’s certainly not an easy task! But the best way to cope is to consciously find a healthy balance. If one area—whether it’s studying or a tough refereeing commitment—is weighing me down too hard, I know it's okay to take a short break from that and focus on the others. Prioritization is key to making it all work."

Who’s been the biggest influence or role model for you in rugby?
"I would say one of my biggest influences is Sarah Hunter (former England and Loughborough Lightning Captain). She was an absolutely amazing player and has successfully transitioned into a coaching role. Her dedication, leadership, and longevity in the sport are truly inspiring."

What do you enjoy most about being part of the girls’ rugby community at Sandal?
"I will always say that being a part of the community at Sandal is like being a part of a massive family. From the Under 12s right up to the Women's Sandal Warriors team, we all support each other's journeys and celebrate every success together. That sense of unity is what makes the club special."

What advice would you give to other young girls who want to try rugby for the first time?
"I would say to any girls who are thinking of giving it a go to absolutely take the leap! Don't worry about knowing the rules or being the most experienced player; just come down to the club and try it. You'll quickly discover the best sport and the best teammates in the world."

Where do you hope rugby will take you in the future – on or off the pitch?
"I'm really looking forward to the opportunity of playing at university and seeing how far I can progress there. Beyond that, I want to stay involved in coaching and refereeing. I'm keen to see where the wind takes me, but I know for sure that rugby will be a huge part of my life, whether I’m playing, coaching, or officiating."

Isla encapsulates the spirit of the girls' rugby pathway. Her passion began simply, watching her father, but it grew into a multifaceted involvement that includes playing at a high level, becoming a qualified referee, and pursuing her coaching qualifications. Her journey highlights the invaluable life lessons learned through rugby, such as discipline (from refereeing), teamwork (from her family at Sandal), and resilience (from pursuing national cup finals).
She encourages today’s young players to simply take the leap and embrace the family environment the game offers, proving that the pathway is open for anyone who loves the sport, whether they end up on the pitch, with a whistle, or coaching from the sidelines.