Biography:
Alice D. Cooper is a pioneer of women’s rugby union, in England and internationally. She was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and her passion for the sport began in 1986 when she met two members of the Richmond Women’s rugby team during a night out. Impressed by her height, they encouraged her to join the team. Cooper, eager to explore a new athletic endeavor, found an old pair of lacrosse boots and attended her first training session at Richmond.
At Richmond, Cooper had the opportunity to meet other influential figures in the women’s rugby community, such as Deborah Griffin, Sue Dorrington, and Mary Forsyth. Together, they formed a formidable bond and embarked on a journey that would shape the future of women’s rugby.
In 1991, Cooper played a crucial role in the establishment of the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup. She became a key member of the Organizing Committee and was chosen as the press officer due to her experience as a regular contributor to Rugby World & Post. Cooper’s own column about the women’s game provided valuable insights and coverage to a growing audience.
Her dedication to the sport was evident as she tirelessly worked to create media coverage for the tournament. She could often be found at the National Sports Centre for Wales, typing up team sheets and match reports, organizing the printing of programs, and handling media calls. Cooper’s efforts helped elevate the profile of women’s rugby and garnered attention from fans and journalists alike.
Unfortunately, in 1993, Cooper’s playing career came to an abrupt end when she suffered a broken leg while captaining the Richmond sevens team. Despite the setback, her contributions to women’s rugby continued to be celebrated.
In recognition of her immense impact on the sport, Cooper, alongside Sue Dorrington, Deborah Griffin, and Mary Forsyth, will be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame. A special ceremony honoring their achievements will take place during the 2021 Rugby World Cup semi-finals at Eden Park on November 5th, 2022.
Awards:
– To be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2022