RAF rugby star Sarah Bonar reflects on her World Cup debut
Scottish and RAF rugby union star Flying Officer Sarah Bonar said that Scotland proved that they can "compete and play on the world stage" after making their first World Cup appearance in 12 years.
The Harlequins player, who was named 2022 RAF Sportswomen of the Year, spoke exclusively to Forces Sport to reflect on her World Cup debut and look ahead to the Inter Services.
Despite Scotland not making it out of the pool stages of the World Cup, Fg Off Bonar said the team received a lot of phrase for their performances from their supporters back home.
She said: "We proved that we can compete on the world stage, we had a very close game against Wales and again against Australia and I think those matches were so exciting to watch.
"I think a lot of people, fans from home, just general rugby supporters, have kind of sent messages in and gave a lot of compliments saying we deserve to be here, it was a really really good game, it was just unfortunate that we came on the wrong side of the score line."
Flg Off Bonar was in good company out in New Zealand where her RAF teammates, Amy Cokayne and Carys Williams-Morris, were also competing for England and Wales respectively.
She added: "The support that I got from Carys and Amy, Amy in particular, I don't know what I'd do without them.
"It's just nice to have that network or if you are going into a game a little bit nervous, Amy with the wealth of experience she's got, despite her being so young still, was really, really special."
The three are expected to come together and wear the light blue jersey as the RAF looks to take back the Inter Services championship from the Army, who won it last year.
"Going into Inter Services, I'm just excited to play together," Bonar added. "Obviously I play with Amy at club (Harlequins), but it is nice to play with Carys again because I did seasons ago at Lichfield, but we are excited to put the light blue jersey back on."
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