Everyone Belongs
Gwen Crabb, Wales
“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.
Gwen Crabb is a Wales National Team rugby player. On and off the pitch, she’s helping to shape the future of women’s rugby by challenging stereotypes and inspiring the next generation.
My name is Gwen Crabb, I am 26 years old, and was born and raised in Swansea, Wales. I currently play rugby for PWR champions Gloucester-Hartpury and the Wales National Team.
Sport has always been a big part of my life. I discovered rugby at age 15 when a friend from my football team invited me to a regional development session. I have loved the challenge and team culture rugby brings from day one.
Rugby has shaped who I am today. It has taught me discipline and resilience while reshaping how I see myself. Being in an environment that values diversity and ability gave me a new perspective on body image and self-worth. In rugby, everyone belongs.
Backing The Game
When I started, rugby did not seem like a viable career in Wales because there were no professional contracts. But when I heard they were coming, I knew I had to have one. The day I got that call, I was jumping for joy!
I have made incredible memories during my career so far, like my first cap at age 19 after recovering from an ACL injury, and six weeks of playing and exploring with the squad while representing Wales in New Zealand in 2021. More recently, our 2025 summer tour to Australia was another standout. Our historic win over the Wallaroos to secure our first victory Down Under brought us even closer as a team.
I am surrounded by some of the most inspiring, hardworking people. Not long ago, most of us were juggling full-time jobs while playing for Wales. One of my teammates, Jenni Scoble, still works night shifts as a firefighter and still manages preseason. That level of commitment inspires me every day.
Sponsorship plays a massive role in women’s rugby. We are still facing barriers, like funding, visibility, and outdated misconceptions, so support from companies like Vodafone makes a huge difference.
Vodafone is passionate about backing the growth of the sport and supporting us for success on the pitch. For example, as a squad, we are set up on Vodafone’s PLAYER.Connect app, which allows us as players, as well as our coaches, to track things like menstrual cycle, sleep and recovery. What gets measured gets managed, and the app is a great way to do this seamlessly.
Unapologetically Myself
During school and university, I often heard comments doubting my abilities or making assumptions about what female athletes “should” look like. Even now, social media can sometimes project those outdated views.
There is a misconception that physical sports and femininity cannot coexist, but rugby has empowered me to be unapologetically myself. As pros, we have a platform to challenge those stereotypes and show others they can be whoever they want to be, because appearance does not define ability.
I encourage new fans to avoid comparing women’s rugby to the men’s game. They are different, and both are great in their own right. Women’s rugby has a unique playing style and a personal fan experience. We are still growing, which means we can connect with fans in a meaningful way.
This Is Just The Beginning
Women’s sport has come such a long way in the past decade. When I was 15, I could not imagine rugby as a career because I had never seen it done.
Now, thanks to more visibility, through coverage on major platforms, player features in global magazines and campaigns like Vodafone’s ‘See It. Believe It.’, we are showing young girls what is possible. I truly believe this is just the beginning.
To the next generation, I want to say, believe in yourself and your dream. Confidence is key. Keep showing up as you are, and do not let anyone else’s opinions hold you back. Above all, enjoy every moment.
