A Place On The Pitch
Eilidh Ashton, Scotland
“See It. Believe It.” is a powerful storytelling campaign, launched in partnership with Vodafone, that inspires new audiences to watch women’s rugby by challenging the perceptions that exist around the game, and celebrating the sport. In a landmark year for the women’s game, these stories showcase the skill, physicality, and competitiveness that define the sport through the eyes of elite players, pathway players, and fans.
With roots in the Isle of Lewis and Abu Dhabi, Eilidh Ashton plays for Heriot’s in the Arnold Clark Premiership and creates fitness and rugby content that champions inclusivity in sport.
My name is Eilidh and I am 24 years old. I am half Scottish and half English. I consider the Isle of Lewis home, but I was born in Dubai and grew up mostly in Abu Dhabi. I moved to Edinburgh for university to study advertising, and that is where I am still based, balancing playing rugby and working for an ad agency.
I first picked up a rugby ball in secondary school, playing for the British School Al Khubairat Under 19s at the Dubai 7s every year. Watching the pros on that big stage lit a fire in me, so when I got to Edinburgh Napier University, I joined my first 15s team. Now, I play for Heriot’s Rugby Club in the Arnold Clark Premiership and still represent various elite 7s teams, often to support great causes like Movember.
Rugby keeps me fit (and sane), pushes me to be strong, and feeds my competitive hunger. But the thing I love most about rugby is the community. The people who lift you up, push you to be better, and feel like family on and off the pitch.
One of my favourite rugby memories was in 2022, when I was the flagbearer at The Hive for Scotland vs England in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations. Standing on the pitch during the national anthems with the stadium buzzing was surreal. Watching the game surrounded by friends and teammates made it even better.
Part Of The Journey
People connect with human stories and when supportive brands like Vodafone help us share our triumphs, struggles and community spirit, it has a real impact.
Vodafone’s “See It. Believe It.” campaign challenges misconceptions and gives both players and fans the chance to tell their own stories. It helps us connect with the game and makes everyone feel like they are part of the journey not just watching from the sidelines.
One of the biggest barriers women’s rugby faces is the idea that women “do not belong” in the game. For over a century, women were banned from most contact sports, leaving a massive gender gap in the sport.
Women’s rugby is on an upward path, but we need consistent funding, media coverage and support from governing bodies to accelerate its growth. A lot of that push comes from fans and players themselves, which is where I come in!
Strength Comes In Every Shape And Size
Women’s rugby is a global community built on resilience, grit, and inclusivity. As a player, you learn that strength comes in every shape and size.
As a fan, you get to be part of something bigger, meeting people you would never otherwise cross paths with, and watching incredible athletes break down barriers and tackle stereotypes about women’s sport.
Women’s rugby is growing fast with record-breaking crowds and better media coverage.
I want future generations to grow up knowing rugby is for everyone and that every little girl who wants to play has a place on the pitch.
