Strong Bodies, Strong Minds: How the Women’s Rugby World Cup is Changing the Game for Body Image and Mental Health Through Sport
- Schoen Clinic UK
- Sep 23
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 6
The Women’s Rugby World Cup is attracting record crowds and millions tuning in from home. What was once a small tournament has grown into a powerful symbol of athleticism, teamwork, and resilience.
This growing visibility is helping to fuel conversations about health and wellbeing. The campaign Strong Bodies, Strong Minds, launched ahead of this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup, has sparked discussions about body image within sport. It helps challenge outdated stereotypes around women’s bodies.
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, our specialists see first-hand how sport and physical activity can impact body image, resilience, and mental health. This year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup shines a spotlight on those same themes at an elite level.
The Evolution of Women’s Rugby
Since the first Women’s Rugby World Cup in 1991, the sport has evolved rapidly. Participation rates among women have soared. International standards have risen, and the matches now rival their male counterparts in skill, physicality, and excitement.
Beyond this, rugby offers something even more important: a reminder of the profound connection between sport and mental health. Increasingly, research highlights how physical activity plays a vital role in supporting women’s wellbeing. This is true not only at the elite level but also for grassroots players, casual participants, and anyone who simply enjoys movement.
Sport has the potential to strengthen minds as well as bodies, building resilience, community, and self-confidence.
Sport and Women’s Mental Health: A Protective Factor
Our team at Schoen Clinic Chelsea regularly supports women experiencing stress, anxiety, or low self-esteem. We know how valuable routine, structure, and physical activity can be for maintaining mental health.
Studies have shown that exercise is one of the most effective tools for boosting mental health. Regular physical activity helps to regulate serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are linked to mood stability, motivation, and reduced anxiety. Exercise can improve sleep quality and enhance cognitive function.
But the benefits extend far beyond this. Participating in sport provides routine, structure, and goals. All of these can be protective factors against stress and burnout. Even short sessions of physical activity can reduce tension, improve energy levels, and lift mood.
The Mental Health Benefits of Team Sports Like Rugby
While individual exercise such as running or yoga can certainly improve wellbeing, team sports like rugby bring unique advantages.
Belonging and Community
Being part of a team offers connection and social support. This sense of belonging can help reduce loneliness, which is strongly linked to poor mental health.
Shared Goals and Accountability
Working towards a common objective, whether winning a match or completing a training session, encourages collaboration and accountability.
Emotional Support and Resilience
Teammates often provide encouragement during setbacks. This creates a buffer against feelings of isolation. Every player will experience defeat. Learning to recover, adapt, and continue builds resilience that can support mental health in everyday challenges.
Confidence, Empowerment, and Self-Esteem
Training and competing help women discover their own capabilities, boosting self-esteem.
Speaking Up About Mental Health
Increasingly, female athletes are using their media platforms to discuss mental health openly. By doing so, they normalise these conversations and model that seeking support is not a sign of weakness.
These benefits explain why grassroots clubs often become a core part of the rugby community. They offer a place to connect with one another.
Rugby and Body Image: Challenging Stereotypes
One of the powerful impacts of the Strong Bodies, Strong Minds campaign lies in its ability to challenge cultural narratives about women’s bodies. For generations, women have been pressured to conform to narrow beauty ideals that do not prioritise health. Rugby provides an alternative vision.
On the pitch, women’s bodies are celebrated not for how they look but for what they can do. Power, speed, and resilience are valued above aesthetics. Strong Bodies, Strong Minds highlights this message of empowerment. The initiative encourages women to focus on self-acceptance while opening a conversation about body image in sport.
Body image concerns remain one of the leading reasons girls drop out of sport during adolescence. By promoting inclusivity and celebrating diverse body types, rugby creates an environment where women can feel confident.
Practical Ways Women Can Use Sport to Support Wellbeing
The good news is that the benefits of sport are not limited to elite players. All women can use physical activity to support their mental health.
Here are some practical steps:
Start Small but Stay Consistent: Even a short daily walk can boost mood if done regularly.
Find a Community You Enjoy: Whether it’s rugby, netball, or a local running club, the social element is key.
Listen to Your Body and Mind: Rest when needed and remember that recovery is part of progress.
When Sport Isn’t Enough: Professional Mental Health Support
For some women, sport may not be enough to fully manage mental health challenges. If low mood, anxiety, or stress continue despite regular activity, it’s important to seek professional support.
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we provide specialist private mental health care tailored to women’s needs. Our clinicians understand the unique challenges women face with body image, confidence, and resilience. They can help build personalised strategies for recovery and wellbeing.
The Women’s Rugby World Cup: More Than a Competition
The Women’s Rugby World Cup is more than a sporting display. The players inspire us not only with their physical strength but also with their resilience, teamwork, and courage.
Sport isn't just about competition. It's about connection, empowerment, and joy. Whether through rugby or simply walking with friends, women everywhere can use physical activity to nurture both body and mind.
As we celebrate the end of this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup, we must remember the power that sport has to build stronger bodies and stronger minds.
Whether through elite rugby or simply finding joy in movement, sport can help women nurture both body and mind. And at Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we’re here to provide expert support for anyone who needs professional help alongside their personal wellbeing journey. Contact our team or book an appointment today.
FAQs
Q: How does rugby support women’s mental health?
Rugby promotes resilience, community, and confidence, all of which protect against anxiety, stress, and burnout.
Q: Why is body image important in women’s sport?
Positive body image encourages girls and women to stay active, reducing dropout rates and boosting self-esteem.
Q: What is the *Strong Bodies, Strong Minds campaign
A campaign linked to the Women’s Rugby World Cup that promotes body confidence and challenges stereotypes in women’s sport.
Conclusion: Embracing the Power of Sport
In conclusion, the Women’s Rugby World Cup serves as a reminder of the incredible impact sport can have on mental health and body image. By embracing physical activity, women can foster resilience, build community, and enhance their overall wellbeing.
Let us celebrate the achievements of female athletes and the importance of inclusivity in sport. Together, we can create an environment where everyone feels empowered to pursue their passions and prioritise their mental health.
Written by the Schoen Clinic UK Editorial Team, drawing on expertise from our clinicians to provide accurate and up-to-date mental health information.
Clinician reviewed.
