The latest episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, sees Jodie Ounsley join David Flatman, Lawrence Dallaglio, Katy Daley-McLean, and Tom Shanklin for an inspiring and hilarious conversation about her unique journey—from rugby to Gladiators and everything in between.
Jodie opens up about growing up deaf, the challenges she faced in rugby, and how she turned her biggest obstacle into her greatest strength. She shares the moment she didn’t hear the whistle and got sent off, the reality of playing top-level sport with a cochlear implant, and why she’s taking a break from rugby.
The team also dives into her rise as ‘Fury’ on Gladiators—what it’s really like behind the scenes, how she switches from being shy to fierce, and the brutal 11-day filming schedule that left her body battered. Plus, she reveals the weirdest fan request she’s ever had!
Beyond sport, Jodie discusses representation, being a role model, and her new children’s book, Keep Smashing It, designed to inspire the next generation to embrace challenges head-on.
With plenty of laughs, big topics, and some wild stories (including a World Coal Carrying Championship?), this episode is not to be missed!
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00:00 – Opener 03:00 – Behind the Scenes & Delicacy of the Week 05:20 – Jodie Ounsley’s Holiday Nightmare 07:53 – Truth or Lies: Jodie Ounsley 14:10 – Playing Rugby While Deaf 17:20 – Why Jodie Left Rugby & Ilona Maher’s Impact 22:50 – Future of Women’s Rugby & Why England Are Favourites 26:05 – From Rugby to Gladiators 31:30 – I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here & Biggest Fears 34:00 – The World Coal Carrying Championship 36:55 – Writing Her First Book: ‘Keep Smashing It!’ 39:35 – Paralympics & Life Beyond Sport 40:45 – What’s Next for Jodie? 41:40 – Deaf Community Room 101 44:25 – Quickfire Round & Fan Questions
