Meet Sarah Bonar - Our Newest N-PRO Ambassador

Sarah Bonar, Harlequins and Scotland Second Row.

We recently caught up with Scottish international and Harlequins star, Sarah Bonar, and took the opportunity to ask her some questions about life as a professional player and her views on player safety.

How do you balance work with the RAF with your club and international rugby commitments?

I am in the RAF police, but my current day-to-day looks different as I have been granted Elite Athlete Sports status. This allows me to focus on rugby training and playing commitments full-time. My role largely involves representing the RAF whether that be in club, country or RAF colours.

In quieter weeks, I keep in touch with my profession to remain upskilled and in the loop with what is going on. I am very grateful for the support of the RAF police and RAF to enable me to be the best player that I can be.

Will going professional make a big difference to Scotland (and other countries in the 6-Nations)?

The introduction of the professional contracts allows players to not only commit full time to training but allows for the needed recovery time that is so important with a contact sport. Historically, having to balance international tournaments with full time jobs has been incredibly demanding.

Now with contracts in place, more athletes can commit 100% to the sport and drive the standard of our game which ultimately will close the gap with teams like England that have been leading the way for a good few years.

Why did you decide to wear head protection?

Being brutally honest, I first started wearing head protection because I didn't want cauliflower ears. However, after picking up a couple of head knocks, I wanted to do all I could to reduce any time away from the game sidelined with injury. I wanted something that would reduce the risk and give me that bit more comfort running out onto the pitch. Also, it keeps my hair in place!

Are you excited at the prospect of a Women’s Lions Tour in 2027?

The confirmation of a women's lions tour in 2027 is awesome. I see it as an opportunity for players across the home nations to put their hand up for selection against some of the best in the world.

What’s been your biggest moment on the rugby pitch (anything from schoolgirl level to running out for Scotland?

The biggest moment of my career so far would be beating Ireland to put Scotland through to the next round of WC qualifiers - which ultimately led to Scotland competing in our first WC since 2010. The closest game of rugby I have ever played in!

What rugby player (either gender) would you most like to meet and/or play against - and why?

Tadhg Beirne of Munster and Ireland is lock gold, hands down my favourite player in the world. Whether it be lineouts, turnovers or line breaks, he can do it all, just a world-class second row!