A Star Born in New Zealand, the RAF Officer’s Journey to Rugby Greatness

Amy Cokayne is a name that resonates in the world of women’s rugby, and her journey to becoming one of the sport’s most accomplished players is a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and passion for the game. Born to a family with a strong military background, Cokayne’s life took a dramatic turn when her father, Ian, was recruited to the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The family moved to New Zealand’s North Island, where Cokayne’s rugby journey began.

As a child, Cokayne’s father’s decision to join the military led to a move to New Zealand, where she was introduced to the sport. “I think he saw the application with one day until closing, so I think he rang my mum and was like, ‘how do you feel about moving to New Zealand?’” Cokayne recalled in an interview with ESPN. “And she [said] ‘oh, we’ll talk about it when you get home,’ and he was like, ‘no, I need to know now.’ So, they took the plunge and within six months we were out living in New Zealand.”

Growing up in a rugby-mad family, Cokayne took up the sport herself and quickly rose through the ranks. She captained her high school team to an impressive 53-straight wins and caught the attention of domestic side Manawatu, who wanted to recruit her as a teenager. With the OK from a doctor, Cokayne’s parents signed a waiver, and she began her rugby education in the Women’s Provincial Championship. The experience in New Zealand was invaluable, and Cokayne credits it with making her the formidable player she is today.

“I definitely wouldn’t be the player I am now or had the experience that I had if I hadn’t gone to New Zealand,” Cokayne said. “I think just simply the fact that I could play women’s rugby from the age of 13 when I was out there playing against Black Ferns.” New Zealand selectors took note of Cokayne’s talent and invited her to a training camp, but she had her heart set on representing England. After making the move back to the UK, Cokayne joined the Royal Air Force and began serving as an officer.

“After the loss [in the final], I thought I need to have something outside of rugby,” Cokayne explained. “We weren’t professional then… so I just thought I need to kind of figure out a career outside of rugby.” Cokayne’s passion for rugby reignited after taking a year away from the sport to focus on her new career. She set her sights on the ultimate full circle moment: Winning the World Cup in New Zealand. Although it wasn’t meant to be, Cokayne’s determination remains unwavering, and she is now leading England’s scrum in their bid for World Cup glory.

A Military Career and a Rugby Legacy

Cokayne’s military career has been marked by dedication and service. She enlisted in the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 2017, after the 2017 World Cup, and has since risen through the ranks to become a respected officer. Cokayne’s experience in the military has given her a unique perspective on the sport, and she has spoken publicly about the challenges she faced in balancing her rugby career with her military service.

“I’ve had to work hard to balance my rugby career with my military career,” Cokayne said in an interview with the BBC. “But I’ve always believed that I can do both. I’ve always been passionate about rugby, and I’ve always been passionate about serving my country.”

Cokayne’s legacy on the rugby pitch is equally impressive. She has played for England since 2016 and has won numerous caps for the team, including a hat-trick in the 2017 World Cup final. Cokayne’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in England’s success, and she is widely regarded as one of the best hookers in the world.

A Bright Future Ahead

As England’s scrum-half, Cokayne is leading the team into the 2025 World Cup with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. With her military background and rugby experience, she is uniquely positioned to lead the team to victory. Cokayne’s story is one of inspiration and perseverance, and she is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication in achieving one’s goals.

“I’m proud to be leading England’s scrum into the World Cup,” Cokayne said in a statement. “I know that we have a tough road ahead of us, but I’m confident in our abilities and I know that we can achieve great things.”