Sharni Williams

Loved meeting and chatting with Sharni.

Sharni Williams

I was cooking dinner one night and my daughter was wandering through the lounge where the Seven’s rugby was on TV. The next minute she’s yelling ‘Mum!!! Look!! There’s a girl just like us on TV.” It bought it home in a huge way, the impact that Sharni was having on so many people and in so many ways. There are probably hundreds of those conversations happening in living rooms around the world that she will never even know about.

Her simple yet bold act of wearing rainbow headgear has to be one of the most defining acts in not just world rugby but world sport. Not often enough do we see athletes using their massive platforms and huge visibility to help any cause. There has been no clearer message to the LGBQT+ community that you are welcome. This is a sport where you will be accepted.

It was a real pleasure to be able to sit with Sharni and tell her the story of my daughter - how Sharni was affecting not just gay youth but also the children of gay couples. Making them feel like they have a place in what is often a big scary world. Sharni’s passion and desire to effect change are obvious from the get-go. Her huge appreciation for her place as a role model in not just Australia but International Sport and how she can use her platform for good.

Without a doubt a fantastic athlete, a great rugby player but more importantly a truly wonderful human being.

“You don’t get rainbows without some rain.” It’s frustrating that in the year 2018 there would be such hatred filled comments made by an Australian Rugby Player - but it led to the realisation that the LGBQT+ community needed to be seen. People needed reminding that we are here. That we are welcome in this sport and it is a safe space to be.”