LAHORE: Ayesha Khuram’s remarkable rise from a beginner at Pakistan Rugby Union’s Asia Rugby “Get Into Rugby” programme to becoming the inaugural captain of the newly formed Muslimah Rugby Team in England is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of rugby.
Ayesha was first introduced to the sport through an Asia Rugby grassroots “Get Into Rugby” session organised by the Pakistan Rugby Union and Lahore Rugby Football Club in Lahore. What began as an opportunity to try a new sport soon developed into an inspiring journey of dedication, leadership and excellence.
After moving to the United Kingdom, she continued playing rugby at school before joining Fullerians RFC, where she progressed through the Under-16 and Under-18 ranks and now represents the club’s senior women’s team. Her outstanding performances earned her selection for the Hertfordshire County Under-18 side, and in 2025 she was named Fullerians Under-18 Forward of the Year.
Now studying at SOAS University of London, Ayesha plays for the university team and has been elected President of the SOAS Women’s Rugby Society for the 2026-27 academic year. Alongside her playing career, she dedicates her weekends to coaching young children, helping introduce the next generation to the sport and promoting rugby’s core values of teamwork, respect, discipline and inclusion.
In another historic milestone, Ayesha has been selected to captain the newly established Muslimah Rugby Team in its inaugural match. The initiative, led by trailblazing British-Ghanaian rugby player Zainab Alema and supported by the Rugby Football Union (RFU), aims to make rugby more accessible to Muslim women and girls while encouraging participation in an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Ayesha Khuram’s journey—from discovering rugby in Lahore to becoming a player, coach and leader in England—highlights the life-changing opportunities the sport can create. Her story stands as an inspiration for young athletes in Pakistan and around the world, proving that one opportunity can open the door to extraordinary achievements.