Biography
Linda Djougang, born on May 17, 1996, in Cameroon, is an Irish rugby player and nurse. Standing at 1.7 meters (5 ft 7 in) and weighing 82 kilograms (181 lb), Djougang plays as both a loosehead and tighthead prop. She currently plays for ASM Romagnat rugby féminin and the Ireland women’s national rugby union team. Balancing her rugby career with her full-time job as a nurse in Dublin, Djougang is also a brand ambassador for Energia Group.
Teams Played For and Years
- Wanderers RFC: Early rugby career
- Old Belvedere: Joined to gain top-level experience
- Leinster: 2018-2021
- ASM Romagnat rugby féminin: 2021-present
International Caps
Linda Djougang has earned 25 caps for the Ireland women’s national rugby union team since her debut.
Most Important Moments in Her Sports Career
- International Debut: Made her debut for Ireland in 2018.
- Leinster Try at Twickenham: Scored a try against Harlequins in the first women’s club game played at Twickenham in December 2019.
- Move to ASM Romagnat: Transferred to the French club ASM Romagnat rugby féminin in August 2021.
- Six Nations Try: Scored her first Six Nations try, totaling 5 points in the tournament.
Early Life and Education
Linda Djougang moved to Ireland from Douala, Cameroon, at the age of nine. She grew up in Rush, Dublin, and attended Rush and Lusk Educate Together National School. She later studied general nursing at Trinity College Dublin from 2015 to 2020, working as a part-time care assistant and intern at Grant Thornton International during her studies. Fluent in both English and French, she began working at Tallaght University Hospital in 2020.
Rugby Career
Djougang started playing rugby at the age of 17 after being invited by a friend to a game of tag rugby. Her talent was quickly recognized, leading to a trial with Leinster and a move to Old Belvedere to gain top-level experience. She made her inter-provincial debut for Leinster against Ulster in 2018.
Club Career
- Wanderers RFC: Started playing competitive rugby.
- Old Belvedere: Joined to gain experience at the top level.
- Leinster: Made significant contributions, including scoring a try at Twickenham.
- ASM Romagnat rugby féminin: Joined in 2021 to play in the French league.
International Career
Djougang has been an integral part of the Ireland women’s national rugby union team, earning 25 caps and playing crucial roles in various tournaments, including the Six Nations Championship.
Awards and Recognition
- 2019 Trinity Sports Person of the Year: Winner
- 2020 Zurich Women’s XV Player of the Year: Nominee
- 2021 Energia Women’s Rugby Award: Nominee