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Zainab Alema 🇬🇭🇬🇧

@zeealema

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1st 🧕🏽in Premiership Rugby
Former NICU Nurse
Mum of 3
Trustee at @_themsf
Founder @muslimahrugby
Alhamdulilah Always 🙏🏾

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Receiving my Honorary Doctorate in Sports Science from the University of Hertfordshire. A special day that will stay with me forever!

I remain deeply honoured, humbled, and sincerely grateful to the @uniofherts for this recognition. It is an honour I do not take for granted, and one that inspires me to continue contributing to the world of sport with even greater passion, purpose, and commitment.

Thank you, to all the lovely messages ! Alhamdulilah Always

Dr. Zainab Alema ✨

#ZainabAlema #HonoraryDoctorate #UniversityOfHertfordshire #SportsScience #Alhamdulilah taken in St Albans Cathedral by @zeealema

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a day ago

What dreams are made of 🥺✨️🙏🏾

#Alhamdulilah #womeninrugby #dreambig #pwr #debut

📸 @a.p.bphotography by @zeealema

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2 years ago

Where do I even begin ! 😭🙏🏾
Last night was nothing short of spectacular. I had the incredible honour of presenting the match ball for the RUGBY WORLD CUP SEMI FINAL @englandrugby V @bokrugby IN PARIS !!!
I don't think I have enough words to describe the magnitude of what I have just experienced.

In the midst of what is going on around the world to be able to stand on an international platform As a Black, Muslim Woman and show the world you can be the change you want to see is a dream come true

This is not just one for the memories but one for the history books.
Thank you so much @landrover Defender for this wonderful experience. The whole team have been outstanding from day one.🫶🏾

When I started my rugby journey I could have never imagined the path it would take me on - Rugby has given me so much. This is just the beginning 💫🌹

Robe designed by the talented @iiriyakii

Alhamdulilah 🙏🏾 by @zeealema

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3 years ago

THE JOURNEY YOU DIDN’T SEE | EPISODE 1: THE DECISION 🏉❤️

In 2021, I walked away from a stable NHS career, not because I stopped loving nursing, but because I realised life was too short not to give my dream a chance.

During COVID, as a neonatal nurse, I witnessed a moment that changed my perspective on life forever. It reminded me that tomorrow is never promised, and sometimes we owe it to ourselves to take that leap of faith.

I had three children, a secure job, and every reason to play it safe. But deep down, I knew I was being pulled towards something more.

Having just won the Sunday Times Grassroots Sportswoman of the Year award, I began to wonder what more I could do through rugby. Could I inspire others? Could I create change? Could I become the representation I wanted to see?

I was scared. I didn’t have all the answers. But I knew I couldn’t ignore that feeling in my gut.

So, I handed in my resignation.

Looking back, that decision was about so much more than rugby. It was about courage, purpose, and choosing to believe in what was possible, even when the outcome was uncertain.

This is the part of the journey you didn’t see. ❤️

Welcome to Episode 1: The Decision.

Have you ever had to choose between what feels safe and what your heart is calling you to do? Tell me in the comments. 👇🏾

#TheJourneyYouDidntSee #ZainabAlema #WomensRugby #RugbyJourney #LeapOfFaith by @zeealema

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THE JOURNEY THEY DIDN’T SEE 🏉👀
Excited to share my journey from Nursing to Top Flight Rugby. The past few years have been a whirlwind and now that I am on a break from the game; I can really appreciate the journey I have been on and by sharing it on here I hope it inspires others to go for their own dreams.

Episode 1 of The Journey They Didn’t See 🏉 - Coming soon … 🔜 ☺️
#rugbyplayer #dreambig #representationmatters #womensrugby #nurse by @zeealema

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4 days ago

Every year I remember how special this was ✨🏉 Alhamdulilah

#blackhistorymonth #rugbyplayer #historymade #womensrugby #representationmatters by @zeealema

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8 days ago

☕️ 🍂 📖 by @zeealema

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Show them they can too 🏉💪🏾

#reprentationmatters #womensrugby #rugbyplayer #girlsrugby

📸 slide 1 @mumswhoplayrugby
📸 slide 2,3,5 @timangerphoto
📸 slide 4 @tigerswomens
📸Slide 6 @leonardmartin.photo by @zeealema

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18 days ago

Our bodies are amazing Alhamdulilah🙏🏾🥹

Doing things at my own pace 🫶🏾

#womensrugby #rugbyplayer #journeyoflife #alhamdullilahalways #gratitude by @zeealema

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21 days ago

A Core memory for sure 💜🎓 @uniofherts

Dr Alema 🥹

#honorarydoctorate #hertsuni #alhamdullilahalways #rugbyplayer #representationmatters by @zeealema

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a month ago

First Honorary Doctor in my bloodline
Alhamdulilah 🥹🎓🙏🏾

Thank you for this incredible accolade @uniofherts

#hertsuni #rugbyplayer #doctorate #sportsscience by @zeealema

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a month ago

Congratulations to University of Hertfordshire alumna and multi-award winning rugby star, @zeealema, who received an Honorary Doctorate of Sports Science, in recognition of her pioneering legacy and impact to rugby and sports! 🏆🥳

From a Nursing degree with us in 2014, to a history-making rugby player and award-recipient in 2026, she proves that journeys don’t always go the way you think and no matter where you are in life, you can always reinvent yourself and change direction. ✨🎓

#UniofHerts #Graduation #Rugby

[Image description: Zainab in her purple Honorary Doctorate robes and hat with text on top saying “Be bold. Be brave. Be yourself. Pave the way for the people coming after you, share your talents and gifts with others because that’s where true influence lies.”] by @zeealema

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