If a member of the Iranian women's squad had a cauliflower ear at the international sevens tournament, nobody would know as they took to the pitch in full length skin suits and headscarves underneath their kit. It was an unusual sight at the team's first ever European appearance.
They were off to a difficult start, losing 10-0 against the host nation and 33-0 in a second game. But they bounced back and secured several victories in the tournament held in Cortina D'Ampezzo, Italy.
The team wore a sporting version of the 'maghnaeh' veil which covers the entire body apart from the face and hands. This cultural symbol is vastly different to the Islamic revolution a quarter of a century ago when women's activities were strongly discouraged. It would have been unthinkable for a woman to play a sport as physical as rugby.
Coach Fatme Molai has been with the squad for four years and says that the kits are just something they wear and have no influence on the way they play. Although she admits that the veil could be more practical and the federation is looking into other options, she is satisfied that it adhered to their society. She added that although the team did not win the competition as they did in Laos and Thailand, she was happy with their first European performance.
Tehran women's coach Alireza Iraj, a man, explained that it is important to coach the team while adhering to strict rules. In Islamic law two members of the opposite sex cannot touch unless they are married or members of immediate family. When teaching scrums or tackles he ensures he keeps a decent distance from the women and instructs the players rather than carrying out a movement himself.
Team Captain Zohre Eyni, 22, said that the whole squad had learned to keep the veil in place so that it doesn't interfere with play and that they have proven that the veil does not hold them back in any sport even one as physical as rugby.
More Information:
The only other changes the muslim team must make to the sport is to ensure their
rugby balls are not pigskin and their
rugby boots also protect their modesty.
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