Firefighter, mother, tattooist: three rugby part-timers on their sacrifices to live a World Cup dream
Briefly

The Rugby World Cup features 512 athletes from 16 teams, with many players balancing professional training with external jobs. Notable examples include Canadian firefighter Olivia DeMerchant, Brazilian tattoo artist Samara Vergara, and Samoan property manager Denise Aiolupotea. Aiolupotea, who plays for the Hurricanes in New Zealand, benefits from her family's financial support, allowing her to pursue her rugby aspirations while managing a job and family responsibilities. Her daily routine consists of early morning training, work, and after-school family commitments, demonstrating her dedication to the sport despite financial struggles.
Denise Aiolupotea, a Samoan player, balances her rugby career with a full-time job, training at 5 AM and managing family responsibilities, while relying on financial support from her family.
Playing for Samoa in the Rugby World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Denise Aiolupotea, despite the financial challenges of non-professional status.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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