Australian rugby star Maddison Levi shares her thoughts ahead of next month's Singapore Rugby Sevens at the Singapore Sports Hub
This is a feature article written by SportPlus.sg for Kallang Alive Sports Management. For more sports events, programmes and human stories of Singapore Sports Hub, visit the Singapore Sports Hub's 'Here to Play' website.
As the excitement builds for the highly anticipated HSBC SVNS SGP 2025 at the Singapore Sports Hub, we sit down with Australian rugby star Maddison Levi as she shares her insights, experiences, and what fans can expect from her and the team as they gear up for one of the biggest events in the rugby calendar.
Levi is not just one of the top female rugby sevens players in the world—she is a force of inspiration, resilience, and change. As the world celebrates women this month, her journey in the sport serves as a testament to the growing power of women’s rugby and the progress made toward gender equality in sports.
The Power of Sport in Empowering Women
Sport has long been a catalyst for change, and Levi believes its impact extends far beyond the field. “I think sports play a huge role in inspiring either the next athlete or the everyday person because of the platform it provides,” she says.
“You can’t be what you can’t see, and that includes off-field roles as well, where women play all types of roles in sport.” Whether it’s young girls dreaming of professional rugby careers or women looking for role models in leadership, Levi knows her presence in the game carries
weight.
Breaking Barriers in Rugby
Levi’s journey with the Australian Rugby Sevens team has given her a unique perspective on gender equality. “At Rugby Australia, we’re at the better end of the gender equality scale with Olympic funding, and we’re a sport that leads the way,” she explains.
“With the Men’s 7s, we’re fairly on par with them, which doesn’t happen in most other sports. But there’s always more to do to support women’s sport and close the gap around the world.”
While progress has been made, Levi acknowledges the disparities that still exist. The support and resources allocated to men’s rugby, particularly the Wallabies, highlight the inequalities many female athletes continue to face. However, she remains hopeful that times are changing and is grateful for the strides made in her sport.
Inspiring the Next Generation
For Levi, rugby is not just about competing—it’s about paving the way for the next generation. “I absolutely love playing, but I get more out of inspiring the next generation,” she shares. “Just seeing girls look up to you and have that idolisation that you once had as a little girl gives you more reward in the long term.”
Levi makes a point to connect with young fans, often responding to messages on Instagram from aspiring athletes. “Any motivation I can give them also helps me play the best footy I can,” she says. “We have to take the opportunities as they come—you never know what it could lead to.”
Overcoming Challenges in a Male-Dominated Sport
Being a female athlete in rugby comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in a sport traditionally dominated by men. “One of the biggest challenges is dealing with rugby fans who have supported the men’s game all the way through and start commenting on the women’s game in a negative way,” Levi says.
She acknowledges that while the physicality of men’s and women’s rugby may differ, the women’s game has its own exciting and unique brand of play. “We produce a good brand of footy that should be celebrated and respected,” she says. “We want as many people as possible to come and watch us play.”
Beyond the external challenges, Levi also highlights the need for better education and support for female athletes regarding hormonal health and menstrual cycles. “So many young women go through so much behind the scenes, and something like endometriosis is still taboo to talk about, which shouldn’t be the case,” she says.
Excitement for Singapore Rugby Sevens and the Singapore Sports Hub
As she prepares to return to competition after recovering from thumb surgery, Levi is eager to take the field at the Singapore Rugby Sevens. “The atmosphere is really cool, and playing in such a world-class stadium is something I look forward to,” she says. “I’m just excited to play again after my injury, to be honest.”
Levi is particularly excited about competing at the Singapore Sports Hub, a premier venue that has hosted some of the world’s biggest sporting events. “The facilities at the Sports Hub are second to none. The stadium, the energy, and the passionate fans make it one of the best places to play,” she says. “It’s a place that brings out the best in athletes, and I can’t wait to step back onto that immaculate field.”
Balancing high expectations with personal drive, Levi remains focused on growth. “I put pressure on myself rather than letting external expectations get to me,” she explains. “That’s probably why I’m the athlete I am—I’m always critiquing myself to be better.”
The Future of Women’s Rugby
With the increasing popularity of women’s rugby, Levi sees a bright future ahead. “Women’s rugby is on its way up,” she states. “You look at Ilona Maher driving the way in the north, selling out stadiums in the UK for standalone 15s matches. In Singapore and Perth, we’ll play our finals after the men’s as the last event. That’s an important move to showcase what we can do on the global stage.”
The Singapore Sports Hub has played a key role in promoting rugby sevens, drawing in passionate crowds and creating an atmosphere that elevates the sport. “Singapore is becoming a key stop on the circuit, and playing in a place that embraces rugby like this makes a huge difference for us as athletes,” Levi says.
Levi and her team are also focused on building for the long term, with an eye on the 2028 Olympics. “We’re in a very transitional phase right now, with a few of the girls putting their hands up to play 15s. With seven players on the sideline due to injury, including four long-term, we’ve had to blood young girls in the last 18 months, and hopefully, that will ensure we have a strong squad for the future.”
Engaging with Fans and Giving Back
Levi values fan engagement and takes every opportunity to inspire the next generation. “During the week in most countries, we reach out as a team to see if we can inspire young players to attend,” she says. “Whenever I walk off the field, I want to acknowledge the fans. You never know how a little interaction can inspire someone to come back or take up the game.”
At the Singapore Sports Hub, she looks forward to connecting with local fans, understanding the city’s rich sporting culture, and inspiring young rugby players in the region. “The Singapore fans bring so much energy, and I love taking the time to give back,” she says. “After my last tournament of the year, I like to give away my boots as a gesture. Although Singapore isn’t my last event of the year, I might take a spare pair over and find someone to inspire.”
A Leader On and Off the Field
As Levi continues to carve her path in rugby, her impact extends beyond the try line. Whether it’s advocating for gender equality, mentoring young athletes, or bringing attention to women’s health in sport, she is more than just a rugby player—she’s a leader.
With the Singapore Rugby Sevens and the Singapore Sports Hub on the horizon, Maddison Levi is poised to make an even greater mark on the game. And as she steps onto the field once again, she carries with her the hopes of young girls who dream of following in her footsteps—proof that women’s rugby is stronger than ever.
Join us for the HSBC SVNS SGP at the National Stadium, Singapore Sports Hub on April 5-6, 2025! Secure your tickets now at Ticketmaster. #Rugby #SgRugby #WomenInSport
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