World Cup winner reveals the bold decision that shaped her career.
Maud Muir, a World Cup winner in 2025, has revealed she was a keen cricketer in her youth but chose rugby union instead, a decision that ultimately led to her success. The England prop made the switch after realizing her passion for the physicality and teamwork of rugby. Muir's choice paid off spectacularly when she lifted the World Cup trophy, cementing her place in the sport's history.
Muir's cricketing background is not widely known, but she credits the sport for developing her hand-eye coordination and athleticism. However, she felt rugby offered a more direct path to elite competition. "Cricket was fun, but rugby gave me a fire I couldn't ignore," she said in a recent interview.
The decision to pivot from one sport to another is a gamble, but Muir's story underscores the value of trusting one's instincts. Her journey from a dual-sport athlete to a world champion serves as a blueprint for young players facing similar crossroads. Rugby’s growth in women’s sport has also played a role—expanding pathways and visibility for athletes like Muir, who might have otherwise been funneled into traditional cricket academies.
The shift reflects broader trends in elite sport, where athletes are increasingly prioritizing fulfillment over convention. Muir’s case highlights how early specialization isn’t always the only route to success, especially in sports where physicality and team dynamics demand a different kind of preparation. Her success could influence recruitment strategies, pushing academies to scout for multi-sport athletes rather than pigeonholing them too early.
Furthermore, Muir's transition from cricket to rugby also speaks to the importance of mental preparation and resilience in elite sports. The ability to adapt to a new sport, with its unique demands and challenges, requires a high level of mental toughness. Muir's experience demonstrates that athletes who are able to navigate these challenges can emerge stronger and more focused, ultimately achieving greater success.
In addition, Muir's story has implications for the way we think about athlete development and the role of multiple sports in that process. Rather than pushing young athletes to specialize in a single sport from an early age, Muir's example suggests that exploring multiple sports can be beneficial, allowing athletes to develop a broader range of skills and to discover their true passions. This approach could lead to a more nuanced and effective approach to athlete development, one that prioritizes the needs and interests of the individual athlete.
What's next: Muir will feature in the upcoming Women's Six Nations, where she aims to build on her World Cup success and inspire the next generation of rugby players. Read at TheNewsAPI.com
Maud Muir's story is a powerful reminder that success often requires bold decisions and a willingness to follow one's passion. In an era where young athletes face pressure to specialize early, Muir's choice to switch from cricket to rugby demonstrates that taking calculated risks can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Her journey encourages aspiring players to trust their instincts and pursue what truly drives them, even if it means stepping away from a familiar path. It also spotlights rugby’s rising profile in women’s sport, where visibility and investment are creating more opportunities for athletes to thrive outside traditional pathways.
TheNewsAPI.combbc.comMay 9, 6:33 AMen
Post-match interview reveals team grit and dedication behind Ireland's statement victory.
Marlie Packer scores four as England crush Italy 61-33 in Parma, keeping Grand Slam hopes alive.
Premiership Women's Rugby launches a 10-point plan to address the critical shortage of female head coaches at elite level.
Despite 32 caps with France, the center can now play for Fiji at the Nations Championship this summer.
RC Vannes supporters gather in Toulouse to encourage their team during the Top 14 promotion match.
Premiership Women's Rugby launches a 10-point plan to address the critical shortage of female head coaches at elite level.
In a Top 14 semifinal few saw coming, two resilient teams built on forward dominance and grit fight for a shot at the title.
From eight months on the sidelines to leading Toulouse into the title decider, Antoine Dupont’s 2024-25 season has been a masterclass in comebacks.
Boston ships Jaylen Brown to Philly for Paul George and four draft picks, flipping the conference’s title outlook and forcing both teams into fresh eras.
Usage dips in Philly, but Moody’s data says Brown’s overall fantasy stock stays intact despite the move from Boston.
A cricket tournament is surging in search interest across Great Britain, but its T20 format is often confused with soccer—here’s what’s real and what’s noise.
A Nashville jury delivered a guilty verdict against Blaise Taylor, former Arkansas State defensive back and Tennessee Titans scout, for the 2022 murders of his girlfriend and her unborn child.
Dansby Swanson’s historic offensive explosion led Chicago’s franchise-record 23-run outburst in a rout of San Diego.
James Dolan books Alicia Keys for the Knicks' championship celebration, with the city holding its breath for a Jay-Z cameo on 'Empire State of Mind.'
Young players and strategic reset reshape Ulster rugby's culture, turning a struggling province into a competitive force.
Bath’s Champions Cup loss to Bordeaux now carries a wider question over replay control and officiating trust.
Premiership Women's Rugby launches a 10-point plan to address the critical shortage of female head coaches at elite level.
Maxime Lucu scored 18 points as Bordeaux Bègles beat Bath 38-26 and set up a final against Leinster.
