‘Rugby saved my life’ after abuse – Ireland’s Hogan

Warning: This article contains references to rape and sexual abuse

“It’s made me such a resilient person. I’m 26 now, and I’ve gone through what some people go through in a lifetime.”

In her own words, Brittany Hogan has been through “a lot” in her life.

Growing up she was a victim of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of a person she trusted, saying now that she found the “confidence and courage” to reveal it to her mum after watching a TV show.

Aged 15 she discovered rugby and believes the sport “saved” her life as she navigated through her next steps.

Now, she’s playing at a World Cup for Ireland and, while her past is part of her journey, she is determined that it will not define her either.

“I’ve experienced quite a lot of trauma,” said the 26-year-old.

“I was actually watching an episode of Desperate Housewives, the same kind of thing happened to one of their characters.

Before opening up to her mum about the abuse, Hogan had been trying to process what had happened on her own.

She said it “started engulfing my personality, making me not happy” before she turned to therapy.

“I’ve been through counsellors and stuff ever since. I’ve had about 12 years of therapy,” Hogan added.

“I’m a very happy person, I choose to live my life happy.”

Hogan says that rugby has given her “so much” and the sport “just brings a smile to my face”.

She began playing rugby at Ballynahinch, her local club in Northern Ireland, and was soon capped through the age grades by Ulster.

The back row’s international career initially came in sevens, and she competed at the Paris Olympics last year, but she transitioned to the XVs game and made her senior Ireland debut in the Covid-delayed Six Nations in October 2020.

“I love every aspect of it. I took up rugby when I was 15,” Hogan said.

Hogan endured recent heartbreak when her father passed away two years ago, and her grandfather died in August.

She says she is playing for them having found support within the Ireland team.

“Those are two very influential men in my life. They both kind of sculpted me into the person I am today.

“I could either lie in my bed and worry or lie in my bed and be sad but I chose not to. I chose to show up for my team-mates and show up for myself.”

With 35 caps to her name, Hogan is a key player for Ireland and is set to make her second appearance at the World Cup off the bench against Spain on Sunday, after being named player of the match in the opening Pool C win over Japan last week.

“Being vulnerable doesn’t mean that you’re weaker than others,” she added.

“Just because I’ve gone through stuff doesn’t mean I don’t deserve the same opportunities as other people and don’t deserve to play for my country.

“If I hadn’t gone through that stuff, I don’t even know if I would have played for my country. My character is built now. I should be good to go now.”