Dani McGifford, a former heptathlete, is on a remarkable journey, transitioning from the athletic tracks to the rugby league field as she represents St Helens in the upcoming Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup final at Wembley Stadium. Set to take place on June 7, 2023, with kickoff at 11:45 BST, this final against the Wigan Warriors promises to be a significant event for women’s sports, especially in rugby league.
McGifford, now 30, acknowledges that her journey into rugby was sparked by the 2021 Rugby World Cup. While she once felt the pressure of competing at the highest levels of athletics, it was the thrilling atmosphere of rugby that ignited her passion anew. “I watched the 2021 World Cup and that inspired me to take it up,” she shared. After chatting with Saints coach Craig Richards, she found the courage to explore the rugby league scene. “Here we are,” she remarked, reflecting on how far she has come since then.
The upcoming final is not just a game for McGifford; it represents a culmination of her journey back to competitive sports, where she hopes to cap off an exhilarating three-year ascent with a triumph on the grand stage of Wembley. “Not many women can say that they’ve walked out at Wembley. Just to be able to do that would be so special,” she observed, highlighting the significance of the event.
Transitioning from her heptathlon background has its challenges. Though she brings speed and agility from her athletic history, McGifford admits the demands of rugby are a different animal altogether. “There’s no real substitute for speed, so that’s been very handy to have, but it’s completely different,” she explained. While athletics allowed her to sprint for brief intervals, rugby requires constant engagement, tackling, and strategic play across an 80-minute match.
Balancing her passion for rugby and her full-time job as a competition manager with Liverpool Schools Sports Partnership is indeed taxing. McGifford describes the sacrifices she has made, even as she sometimes feels sore from the intense training and the unavoidable physicality of the sport. “I’m still getting used to the whacks, I’m not going to lie,” she chuckles. Yet, being surrounded by seasoned players such as Emily Rudge and Jodie Cunningham is a source of inspiration—urging her to push through the challenges and learn every step of the way.
Her journey as a fan of the St Helens rugby league background has also shaped her aspirations. Born in Crewe but raised in a rugby-loving family, McGifford’s connection to St Helens runs deep. Fond memories of attending matches at the iconic Knowsley Road prepared her for this moment. Until recently, the notion of women gracing the hallowed ground at Wembley seemed unfathomable.
Since the inception of the Saints’ women’s side in 2018, which has already celebrated remarkable success, McGifford now finds herself part of a legacy that was once only a dream for many female athletes. The squad’s heritage, including players like Rudge and Cunningham, has also advanced women’s rugby into a mainstream sport. Yet, McGifford shares in the excitement of pushing the boundaries further. “I get goosebumps just thinking about it now,” she confessed, expressing how much the opportunity to play at Wembley represents for many women involved in the sport.
For McGifford, having the chance to play in venues she once only admired from the stands adds a unique layer to her competitive experience. “I’m now getting to see the other side of it,” she said. The thrill of stepping onto the pitch at famous grounds like Warrington and Huddersfield gives her a fresh appreciation of the sport’s culture and camaraderie.
Though she didn’t step into the rugby league arena until her late 20s, her athletic upbringing ensures that she understands the dedication required to excel. “I worked really hard in athletics and don’t think I got what I deserved from it, but I feel now I’m reaping some rewards,” McGifford reflects. There’s a certain wisdom gained through her unique athletic journey; she has embraced every challenge and every victory, both in her past and currently with the Saints.
With the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup final drawing near, McGifford and her St Helens teammates prepare to make history. As they aim to secure the trophy, the narrative of female empowerment in sports continues to evolve, and McGifford stands at the forefront of this movement. The influence of the 2021 World Cup resonates through her story, energizing her ambition to achieve something that once seemed distant.
In closing, as fans across the country rally behind their teams, Dani McGifford’s journey from the world of heptathlon to the rugby league field serves as an inspiring reminder of the ever-expanding opportunities for women in sports. Her heartfelt enthusiasm and determination offer hope not just for herself, but for future generations of female athletes who dream of walking onto the grand stage at Wembley. This final is not just a game; it is a celebration of growth, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of women in sport.
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