Brighton Graduate Chases Women’s Rugby World Cup Glory With Ireland

A former University of Brighton student will line up for Ireland this weekend in one of the biggest clashes of the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Grace Moore, who graduated in 2018 with a degree in Physical Education, will take on defending champions New Zealand at the Amex Stadium on Sunday – just a stone’s throw from the university’s Falmer campus.

The 29-year-old, who discovered rugby during her time at Brighton, described the chance to represent Ireland on the world stage as “a dream come true.”

Grace said:

“To represent Ireland is an absolute honour and to be playing at the World Cup is a dream come true. To the little girl who dreamed big, we made it.

"Wearing the green jersey means everything to me and returning to play in this city feels like coming full circle.

"It’s where I studied and began to imagine what might be possible.”

Both Ireland and New Zealand have already secured places in the knockout stages, but Sunday’s Pool C clash will decide who tops the group.

During her time at Brighton, Grace not only excelled in sport – from netball to volleyball – but also travelled to The Gambia with Football for Peace International’s Rugby4Peace programme, using sport to promote teamwork and resilience in communities facing conflict.

Dr Gillian Teideman, Principal Lecturer at the University of Brighton, praised Grace’s journey:

“Grace was a fantastic student who embraced every opportunity.

"She discovered rugby with us and quickly proved she could turn her hand to anything.

"It’s a joy to now see her playing at the highest level and making such an impact.”

Grace is now combining her international rugby career with training as a physical coach at Setanta College – and hopes her story can inspire the next generation to follow their sporting dreams.