Born: 10 June 1958 (Minnesota, USA)
Biography:
Sue Dorrington (born 10 June 1958) is a former English rugby union player and pioneer of the women’s game, in England and internationally.
Dorrington was born and raised in Minnesota, USA. In the early eighties, she discovered her passion for rugby and began playing the sport. Seeking a more competitive rugby environment, she made the bold decision to move to London in 1983.
Once in London, Dorrington joined the esteemed Richmond Women’s rugby team, where her talent and dedication quickly made her stand out. She not only represented Richmond but also had the honor of donning the jerseys of both Great Britain and England in test matches.
Dorrington’s contributions to women’s rugby extended far beyond her prowess on the field. Alongside her teammates Deborah Griffin, Alice Cooper, and Mary Forsyth, she played a pivotal role in organizing the very first Women’s Rugby World Cup in Wales in 1991. This groundbreaking tournament marked a significant milestone for women’s rugby, as it provided a platform for female players to showcase their skills on the international stage.
While many would find organizing such a monumental event a full-time commitment, Dorrington never let it interfere with her own playing career. In fact, she admirably balanced her role on the Women’s Rugby World Cup Organizing Committee with her position as England’s starting hooker at the World Cup.
As fate would have it, Dorrington encountered a unique challenge during the opening ceremony of the World Cup. She was entrusted with looking after Griffin’s daughter, which meant missing the official festivities. Nevertheless, the following day, she lined up at hooker for England, displaying her unwavering commitment to the sport.
Dorrington didn’t stop after that memorable World Cup. In 1994, she had the honor of captaining England in a match against Scotland at the World Cup. Although she didn’t get to play in the final, her team emerged victorious, defeating defending champions the United States 38–23.
Dorrington continued to make her mark on women’s rugby, representing England in her last test match in 1997. As a testament to her talent and longevity, she remained loyal to Richmond, becoming the only player to represent the club for over three decades. In recognition of her exceptional contributions to the sport, Dorrington was also appointed as Richmond’s first-ever female vice-president.
In 2022, Dorrington, along with her teammates Deborah Griffin, Alice Cooper, and Mary Forsyth, achieved a well-deserved honor. They were all inducted into the prestigious World Rugby Hall of Fame during a special ceremony at the 2021 Rugby World Cup semi-finals at Eden Park on 5 November 2022. This recognition solidifies their impact on the sport and immortalizes their contributions to women’s rugby.
Awards:
– Inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2022