First hijab-wearing Premiership rugby player Zainab Alema awarded honorary doctorate
A trailblazing University of Hertfordshire nursing alumna who made history as the first hijab-wearing Muslim woman to play and score in Premiership Women's Rugby, has been awarded an honorary doctorate.
University of Hertfordshire nursing graduate Zainab Alema, whose rise from neonatal nurse to elite rugby player has inspired thousands, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Sports Science in recognition of her groundbreaking contribution to sport, healthcare and inclusion during their September graduation ceremonies, which ended last week.
Known on the pitch as "The Bulldozer", Zainab has become one of the UK's leading advocates for widening participation in rugby, using her experiences to inspire more women and girls from underrepresented communities to get involved in the sport.
The mother of three and neonatal nurse has combined a career caring for vulnerable babies with a mission to make rugby more accessible. In 2025, she founded Muslimah Rugby, the UK's first women's rugby team created specifically for Muslim women, providing a welcoming route into the game to help women build confidence, develop their skills and connect with local clubs and competitions. The team had their first run out this summer.
“I am incredibly proud to return to Herts to receive this honour,” said Zainab about the honorary doctorate. “The University played such an important part in my journey, giving me the skills and confidence to build a career in nursing while continuing to pursue my ambitions in rugby.
“Being the first can feel daunting, but it also creates a path for others to follow. I hope my story encourages people to take opportunities without fear, challenge expectations and never believe that a sport or career is not for them.”
Zainab’s connection to neonatal care is deeply personal. Born prematurely at just 26 weeks, she spent the first months of her life in hospital. The experience inspired her to train as a neonatal nurse, caring for premature and seriously ill babies while supporting their families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
She studied nursing at the University of Hertfordshire, graduating with a 2:1 in 2014, before beginning her career in neonatal care at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
Her rugby journey began unexpectedly during a PE lesson at Chiswick High School while she was studying for her GCSEs. She continued playing during her A-levels and joined Ealing Trailfinders’ under-18 side before going on to represent Millwall and Barnes.
In 2021, Zainab joined Richmond, taking a major step forward in her ambition to play rugby at the highest level. An invitation to train with Leicester Tigers then arrived with only a few hours’ notice, prompting her to travel to the Midlands and seize the opportunity.
She went on to make her home debut for Leicester before appearing against Gloucester at Kingsholm. In doing so, she became the first hijab-wearing Muslim woman to play in Premiership Women’s Rugby and later made history again by scoring a try in the competition.
Away from the pitch, Zainab has become an influential advocate for greater diversity and inclusion in sport. Drawing on her own experiences of having to find quiet places to pray during her playing career, she has supported calls for dedicated prayer spaces at rugby clubs and championed better provision for Muslim players.
She is also a trustee of the Muslim Sports Foundation and the founder of Studs in the Mud, an initiative that has collected and donated sports equipment and clothing to women and children in Ghana.
Zainab previously returned to the University of Hertfordshire to receive the Vice-Chancellor’s Outstanding Achievement Alumni Award. Her honorary doctorate represents further recognition of the impact she has made since graduating.
Professor Irene Ctori, Dean of the School of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences – who presented Zainab with her honorary document – said:
“Zainab’s journey from Herts nursing student to Premiership rugby player is an extraordinary story of courage, determination and service to others.
“She has not only broken barriers herself but is using her platform to ensure other women and girls can follow. Through Muslimah Rugby, her advocacy and her charitable work, she is changing perceptions, opening doors and helping to build a more inclusive future for the sport.
“We are immensely proud of everything Zainab has achieved since graduating from Herts and delighted to welcome her back to receive this richly deserved honour.”
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