Jemimah Wright admits she’s never paid much attention to rugby, but England’s stunning Women’s Six Nations victory over France in Bordeaux on 17 May, securing both the Championship title and the Grand Slam, has made her wonder why these remarkable women aren’t being celebrated more loudly. Reflecting on the Red Roses’ extraordinary success, she explores what the Bible says about rejoicing in the achievements of others and why Christians should be leading the applause.
I am not a sports fan. In fact, if I’m completely honest, most major sporting events tend to pass me by unnoticed. So yesterday, when I was talking to my colleague Gareth Crispin, Commissioning Editor for NexGen, and he asked me if I knew about women’s rugby, I felt reasonably confident saying yes, at least in a vague, general sense.
He then asked whether I had watched the Six Nations this year, and I admitted that no, I hadn’t. Gareth looked genuinely astonished. “The English women’s team were amazing,” he said. “The final match against France was utterly consuming.”
As Gareth spoke, his enthusiasm was infectious. He described not only the intensity of the game in Bordeaux, but also the composure and grace of the players afterwards. “They spoke with elegance and passion after the match,” he told me. “And yet when I looked online afterwards, there really wasn’t that much written about their success. I was shocked.”
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He had every reason to be. England’s women’s rugby team, the Red Roses, secured another Women’s Six Nations Championship title with their victory over France, completing a Grand Slam in the process. In any sporting arena, sustained success at this level is extraordinary. It speaks of discipline, teamwork, resilience and commitment. Yet somehow, their achievements seem to pass many of us by unnoticed.
Why aren’t we all celebrating these heroes?
Why aren’t we all celebrating these heroes? Perhaps part of the answer lies in our culture. We can become so accustomed to criticism, controversy and cynicism that we forget how to rejoice wholeheartedly when others do well. Social media often amplifies outrage more readily than excellence. We are quick to comment on failures but slower to applaud perseverance and achievement. The Bible paints a very different picture of how we are called to respond to one another’s victories.
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Romans 12:15 tells us: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
Romans 12:15 tells us: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” It sounds simple, but rejoicing with others can sometimes be surprisingly difficult. Celebrating someone else’s success requires humility. It asks us to lay aside comparison, envy or indifference and instead choose generosity of spirit.
The Apostle Paul also reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12 that the body of Christ is interconnected: “If one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it.” There is something beautiful about celebrating excellence wherever we see it, whether in ministry, family life, the arts, business or indeed on a rugby pitch.
The women of the England rugby team have devoted years to their craft. They have trained tirelessly, carried pressure gracefully and represented their country with remarkable professionalism. Their achievement deserves recognition not simply because they won, but because perseverance and dedication are things worth honouring. I wonder too whether there is something particularly powerful about women championing other women. Too often we are subtly encouraged to compete rather than celebrate. But there is enormous strength in learning to delight in each other’s gifts and accomplishments. When one woman succeeds, it can inspire countless others to pursue their own calling with courage.
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Jesus himself was generous with encouragement. He publicly commended faith, faithfulness and acts of devotion wherever he encountered them. He noticed people. He honoured them. Perhaps we are called to do the same more intentionally, to become people who are quick to celebrate goodness and excellence when we see it.
So perhaps Gareth is right to be baffled by the relative silence surrounding this team’s success. These athletes are not only talented sportswomen; they are role models demonstrating resilience, unity and grace under pressure. I may have to tune into the Six Nations next year, if Gareth’s endorsement is to be believed. Maybe I will become a fan.
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