Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
NZ NZ

Gladiator Jodie Ounsley walks away from rugby

By PA
Jodie Ounsley of Exeter Chiefs looks on during the Allianz Cup Semi Final match between Saracens and Exeter Chiefs at StoneX Stadium on April 13, 2024 in Barnet, England. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

Jodie Ounsley is stepping away from rugby to pursue other opportunities after securing early release from her Exeter contract.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ounsley has become more widely known as Fury on the successfully revived TV show Gladiators and had the distinction of being the first female deaf player to represent a senior England team.

Apart from playing for England sevens and the Chiefs, the 23-year-old also enjoyed spells at Loughborough Lightning and Sale Sharks.

Video Spacer

Chasing the Sun on RugbyPass TV | RPTV

Chasing the Sun, the extraordinary documentary that traces the Springboks’ road to victory at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, is coming to RugbyPass TV.

Watch now

Video Spacer

Chasing the Sun on RugbyPass TV | RPTV

Chasing the Sun, the extraordinary documentary that traces the Springboks’ road to victory at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, is coming to RugbyPass TV.

Watch now

“Stepping away from the rugby field has been one of the most difficult decisions of my life,” Ounsley said.

“This sport has given me opportunities, friendships and memories that I could only have dreamt of, and I will forever be grateful to the wonderful community at Exeter for making this feel like home.

“Whilst I am excited for opportunities around the corner, this is certainly not goodbye and I will continue to be a fervent supporter of women’s rugby.

“With the Rugby World Cup on the horizon, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for our sport.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Ounsley, a British Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion, suffered a shoulder injury at the start of the current season and was sidelined for seven months before making her comeback for Exeter in the Allianz Cup last Saturday.

Related

ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Chasing The Sun | Series 1 Episode 1

Fresh Starts | Episode 2 | Sam Whitelock

Royal Navy Men v Royal Air Force Men | Full Match Replay

Royal Navy Women v Royal Air Force Women | Full Match Replay

Abbie Ward: A Bump in the Road

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 9

James Cook | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

New Zealand victorious in TENSE final | Cathay/HSBC Sevens Day Three Men's Highlights

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

TRENDING
TRENDING Scott Robertson's strongest possible All Black side Scott Robertson's first All Black side
Search