International Women's Day Gemma Lumsdaine

GEMMA LUMSDAINE

A truly inspirational player paving the way for a new generation within Wheelchair Rugby

GEMMA LUMSDAINE

Gemma Lumsdaine talks to us about how wheelchair rugby is her passion and how this sport can give you a sense of belonging and purpose – you just have to give it a go.

In the final episode of our Changing The Game series we visit Gemma Lumsdaine, a wheelchair rugby player for Dundee Dragons and part of the Team GB Talent Squad. She might be a rugby player on paper, but there is so much more to Gemma than meets the eye.

Believe it or not, wheelchair rugby was not Gemma’s first sport as she first became interested in the sport whilst playing wheelchair basketball at a national level. But it was rugby where she found her passion, giving her a sense of belonging and purpose in sport. Rugby, and sport in general, has now become so much more to Gemma – it’s about how it makes you feel, the empowerment and feeling connected to who you are and your own body.


Taking the leap into a new sport embodies everything Gemma believes in. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and don’t be scared to try something new. As well as being a top-level player herself, Gemma also coaches others in a bid to help them be the best player they can be and alongside her sporting achievements, she has also recently completed a university degree alongside running workshops around disability sport, mental health and wellbeing, looking to inspire others with the same no-fear attitude.