OURFC captains celebrate international honours

OURFC’s Women*s Blues Captain Chloe-Marie Hawley (#384) and former Women*s Blues captain Sophie Shams (#400) celebrate international honours. Both players were called up to represent the UAE at the Asia Rugby Emirates 7s Series in China earlier this month.

UAE began the tournament in Pool D alongside China, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. After two successful games against Malaysia (22-7) and Sri Lanka (41-0), the strength of China’s side proved too much resulting in a 38-0 defeat. Despite a defeat, UAE finished second in Pool D and moved into the knockout rounds reaching the third stage and defeating Malaysia to finish 7th in the tournament. Full results breakdown available here – https://www.asiarugby.com/results/asia-rugby-sevens-series/asia-rugby-emirates-womens-sevens-series-2025-china-7s/

Speaking to Chloe after the tournament she commented:

“Representing the UAE at the Asia Rugby 7s Emirates tournament in China was an incredible experience and such a proud moment for both Sophie and I, as we made our international debuts and earned our first caps together! I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity and for the support of our inspiring coaches – Apollo, Phila, and Benji – as well as the senior players on the team, whose leadership and resilience have been a huge source of inspiration to me as a captain. This first taste of international rugby has only fuelled my passion for 7s, and I’m excited to keep developing and bring everything I’ve learned back to OURFC!”

Shams also commented expressing the “incredible nature of this opportunity and one that is unforgettable”. Adding “it was so great to bring the Blue’s flair to international rugby and playing alongside Chloe was an honour and a proud moment for the both of us. It was an honour to have been selected and the coaching staff around us were supportive and drove us to play the best rugby we could.”

OURFC sends many congratulations to Chloe and Shamsy! Wishing you the best of luck with your future international endeavours as well as another smashing season in dark blue!  

OURFC Women's Blues are back in BUCS action on the 1st of October as they take on Bristol in their first game of the season, so come down for 7pm and cheer on the dark blues!