Firefighter, mother, tattooist: three rugby part-timers on their sacrifices to live a World Cup dream

The article highlights the challenges faced by part-time rugby players competing in the upcoming Women's Rugby World Cup. Despite the shift towards professionalism in the sport, many players still have to balance their rugby careers with other jobs and responsibilities to make ends meet. The article profiles three props from different countries - Olivia DeMerchant (Canada), Samara Vergara (Brazil), and Denise Aiolupotea (Samoa) - who have diverse careers outside of rugby, including firefighting, tattooing, and property management. These players have had to make significant sacrifices to pursue their World Cup dreams, demonstrating the dedication and commitment required to compete at the highest level of the sport. The article highlights the challenges faced by these part-time players, emphasizing the stark contrast between the dream of representing their countries at the World Cup and the realities of their day-to-day lives, where they must juggle multiple responsibilities to support themselves and their families.