On debut for the Rebels Super W last weekend, Katie Bugden (Rebel #87) has made a rapid rise to the elite level.
Katie Bugden made the extraordinary switch from Melbourne Tigers NBL1 star to Rugby Union rookie last year despite having never watched the sport. On debut for the Rebels Super W last weekend, she has made a rapid rise to the elite level.
After catching the eye of Melbourne Rebels Super W Coach Alana Thomas, while playing for Melbourne Unicorns in the Lindroth Cup during 2021, Katie burst into selection for the Super W Squad.
When looking at Katie’s family heritage, it was always meant to be. Rugby flows through her veins. Her father, Geoff Bugden, was a two-time premiership-winning front-row star for the Parramatta Eels in the 1980s. While her brother, William Bugden, played 88 games for Northern Pride in the Queensland Cup.
The highlight of Katie’s fleeting time in rugby came on Super W Grand Final day, where her parents watched on as she played in the Super W Select team against the President’s XV.
“I’m playing a sport now that my family understands when they watch,” Katie said. “My mum and dad were fortunate enough to come to our Super W games in Coffs Harbour, being close to my hometown in Lismore. It was a really weird moment.”
“It was awesome to have my dad watch me play footy and give me advice.”
“Being away with the team, I’ve learnt so much that I can’t wait to bring back to club rugby.”
Within the blink of an eye, the strong-willed back rower fell in love with the sport she was destined to play. And according to Katie, the switch from the basketball court to the rugby pitch has already paid off.
“I just needed a change,” she said. “When I played basketball, they told me I played it like a footy player. I always had to hold myself back from contact; all I wanted to do when I started playing rugby was to hit someone.”
Bugden is a member of both the Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi (Gamilaraay) people and she grew up on Bundjalung land in Lismore, NSW.
“I feel so strongly to Bundjalung land, it’s a place I grew up in and the community where I experienced the most,” she said.
“But all the Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi people have immediately accepted me as family, even though I didn’t grow up on that land.”
Blessed with innate sporting ability, Katie has found herself equally inspired by her artistic endeavours. And it is her artwork that has not only strengthened her storytelling, but ignited a deep connection between her and her country.
“When I paint, it is my direct connection I’ve never really had before; to understanding my culture, to reconnecting with my ancestors and sharing the emotions I have about my family.”
Last year, Katie received the honour of designing the Melbourne Rebels Indigenous Jersey for Super Rugby’s First Nations Round. The jersey was inspired by home and travelling home, diversity and honouring the Boon Wurrung people. The design told the story of the club travelling home after being away from AAMI Park.
“If you look at a rugby team you’ve got a 6’2 girl here and then a 5’2 there and they can both potentially play in the same position. You always have a place and role in the team, no matter your size.”
“It’s just so empowering, and along with the community, is what made me fall in love with rugby,” she added.
As an educator and future teacher, Katie is committed to using her platform to speak out and ensure that her people’s heritage, culture and values live on for future generations.
Visit the Melbourne Unicorns Women’s Instagram and Facebook page for details on training and social events during the season.
Extract Courtesy Rugby Victoria Media Unit
