Rugby as a Source of Strength: Ireland's Brittany Hogan Honors Late Father at Women's World Cup
Ireland back row Brittany Hogan shares how rugby helped her cope with the sudden loss of her father and grandfather as she prepares for her first Women's Rugby World Cup.
Ireland back row Brittany Hogan has turned to rugby to cope with the sudden loss of her father and grandfather as she prepares for her first Women's Rugby World Cup.
Hogan, 26, lost her father to anaphylactic shock after a wasp sting and her grandfather shortly after. She credits her team-mates for helping her through the grief.
“My dad collapsed in the car on the way home from work,” she said. “Without my sister and the air ambulance, we wouldn’t have said goodbye. It was a traumatic time, but we rallied around each other.”
Rugby Waits for No One
Having started rugby at 15, Hogan says she didn’t pause following her losses because “rugby waits for no one.” She plays to honor the memory of the men who supported her career.
“My dad attended every game he could,” she added. “I have great memories, and I’ll never forget him.”
Group Stage Ambitions
Ireland begin Pool C against Japan in Northampton on Sunday, followed by matches against Spain on 31 August and reigning champions New Zealand on 7 September.
With 34 caps, Hogan is determined to help Ireland advance beyond the pool stage. “Our goal is to reach the semi-finals,” she said. “Every team here has worked hard for four years, and we’re ready.”
Grief and resilience fuel Hogan’s drive, as she honors her late father and grandfather on rugby’s biggest stage.
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