Jodie Ounsley

First Deaf Female England Rugby player, Known as ‘Fury’ In Gladiators 2024, Jiu-Jitsu Wrestler & Sprinter

Jodie Ounsley’s Biography:

Jodie Ounsley is a trailblazing deaf athlete, elite rugby player and television personality best known for breaking barriers in sport and representation. As the first deaf female to play for a senior England rugby side, she has become a powerful role model for inclusion and accessibility in sport. Alongside her rugby career, Jodie has competed as a sprinter at international level and in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, demonstrating exceptional versatility and determination. In 2024, she reached a wider audience after being cast as ‘Fury’ in the BBC One reboot of Gladiators, cementing her status as an inspiring public figure.

Jodie began her sporting journey at a young age, joining the Sale Sharks Academy and quickly developing her talent in rugby. She represented England Deaf Rugby from her teenage years, earning recognition for her performances and leadership on the pitch. Her early success included being named Player of the Tournament at the International Deaf Rugby Sevens and winning the World Deaf Rugby Sevens Championship with England.

Alongside rugby, Jodie excelled in athletics, representing Great Britain at the Deaflympics as a sprinter and winning a gold medal at the European Deaf Athletics Championships in the 100m. Her athletic ability and commitment to sport have led her to compete across multiple disciplines, including Brazilian jiu-jitsu at the national level. In 2020, she made history as the first deaf female to play for a senior England rugby side, competing with Exeter Chiefs Women in the Premier 15s.

Beyond her sporting achievements, Jodie is a passionate advocate for inclusion and representation. As a proud member of the LGBT community, she speaks openly about identity, visibility and diversity, using her platform to inspire others and challenge perceptions. Her appearance on Gladiators introduced her story to a mainstream audience, where she continues to promote resilience, confidence and breaking down barriers.

Why Hire Jodie Ounsley?

Jodie is hired as a speaker for her inspiring journey as a deaf athlete who has broken barriers across multiple sports. Her story of resilience, determination and self-belief resonates strongly with audiences, particularly around overcoming adversity and challenging limitations.

She also speaks openly about identity, visibility and inclusion as a proud member of the LGBT community, bringing authenticity and depth to conversations around diversity. Combining her experiences in elite sport with her growing media profile, Jodie delivers engaging and empowering talks that inspire audiences to embrace difference and achieve their full potential.

Jodie Ounsley’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Jodie Ounsley’s remarkable career in sport:

• 2025 – Continued appearing as ‘Fury’ on BBC One’s Gladiators while championing deaf representation and inclusion in mainstream sport and media.
• 2024 – Cast as ‘Fury’ in the BBC One reboot of Gladiators reaching a national audience.
• 2021 – Played for Exeter Chiefs Women competing in the Premier 15s.
• 2020 – Became the first deaf female to play for a senior England rugby side with Exeter Chiefs Women.
• 2019 – Competed in Brazilian jiu-jitsu at a national level demonstrating her multi-sport ability.
• 2018 – Represented Great Britain at the Deaflympics as a sprinter competing internationally.
• 2017 – Named the UK’s Young Deaf Sports Personality of the Year recognising her achievements in sport.
• 2016 – Won the World Deaf Rugby Sevens Championship with England.
• 2014 – Named Player of the Tournament at the International Deaf Rugby Sevens.
• 2012 – Won gold in the 100m at the European Deaf Athletics Championships.
• 2011 – Made her debut for England Deaf Rugby beginning her international career.