Behind every young rugby player is someone on the sideline cheering the loudest, organising the chaos, offering the hugs after tough losses, and celebrating every milestone like it’s their own.
This Mother’s Day, RugbyWA is celebrating the rugby mums who pour endless love, dedication, and sacrifice into the game – the women who help build not only players, but communities
For Izzy and her mum Liz, rugby has always been about more than just the sport.
“She’s Mama Liz – everyone knows her,’ Izzy said.
“If you know her, you love her, and if you don’t know her, you should get to know her.”
To Izzy, her mum has been one of the biggest reasons she’s been able to grow both on and off the field.
“She’s very supportive and loving, she’s a big reason of how I’ve gotten to where I am today.”
And for Liz, there’s nowhere else she’d rather be.
“It’s incredible, I love it – I love the sport, I love all the players and people, the family of rugby,” she said.
“The fact you can play it anywhere in the world, come from anywhere in the world, and instantly have a family… wherever you go, you belong.”
That sense of belonging is what makes rugby so special for families across Western Australia.
It’s the early mornings, muddy boots, car rides, canteen shifts, and sideline conversations that create lifelong friendships and support networks.
“Watching the kids develop and grow – not just your children, but the children you adopt along the way,” Liz said.
“In Perth, because the rugby community is smaller, you get to know everyone. It’s passion, its community, it’s the family you choose.”
For Izzy, rugby has become a very special journey, one she’s proud to share with her mum every step of the way.
And while the players may wear the jerseys, rugby mums wear just as much heart.
This Mother’s Day, RugbyWA celebrates every rugby mum – the quiet achievers behind the scenes, the loudest supporters on the sidelines, and the people who make rugby feel like home.
Thank you for everything you do for our game.
