International Women’s Day: Naama Badichi on the Defining Moment of Her Career and Her Mission to Develop the Next Generation of Players

As part of International Women’s Month, we continue to highlight the leading women in Israeli rugby. Today we present a special interview with Naama Badichi, former captain of the Israel national team and, over the past four years, head coach of the Upper Galilee team. This year, she decided to retire from playing and focus on coaching and developing young female players

 Is there a game or a single moment in your career that you will never forget?
The European Championship final in 2021, a match against Austria. They were leading by five points and the final whistle had sounded, but there was still one last play. They kicked the ball to us, a teammate caught it and passed it to me. I knew I had to break through the defensive line and score a try. I managed to get past two players and ran the run of my life toward the try line.

What moved me the most was seeing still images from the tournament, where I could see the joyful expressions on my teammates’ faces as I ran toward the try. Those images are deeply etched in my memory.

 How does sport strengthen the community during difficult times?
The Galilee is a very good example. For two years, many of us were evacuated. Some remained living in kibbutzim that were not evacuated but were located on the front line. Despite everything, we tried to continue our activities under extremely challenging conditions. Other players and I would travel more than an hour each way just to attend training. We did all of this because the team and the sport gave us moments of sanity within an overwhelming reality.

 What is the most significant thing rugby has taught you about yourself?
Self belief. My father raised me to believe that I could achieve anything, but rugby turns that belief into reality. There is an immediate and tangible reward for effort and perseverance. I try to pass this on to my players, both through on field drills and through extensive mental work during training sessions, tournaments, and even dedicated meetings focused on mindset. A mentally strong player is a physically strong player. A mentally strong woman is a physically strong woman, one who achieves what she wants both on and off the field. That is what I believe.

 What is the main barrier preventing girls in Israel from starting to play rugby?
First, for the women’s league to grow significantly, there must be youth and junior leagues for girls.

The main barrier is body image and rigid perceptions of femininity in Israeli society. It is very difficult for girls to choose to participate in a sport that carries stereotypes defining what is considered feminine in terms of body structure and appearance.

Sports culture in Israel is very limited. I see this clearly in physical education classes in schools. For more than a decade, I have visited schools across the country and observed what these classes look like.

 What does rugby mean to players during such a complex period?
It is an escape from reality, a physical and emotional embrace from their team. It provides support and allows them to support one another, channeling fear, anger, and frustration from reality into the game on the field.

You mentioned that rugby helped you cope with loss. How does sport contribute to mental resilience?
There is a two way relationship here. Sport helps me cope with loss, and coping with loss also contributes to my success in rugby.

 What message would you like to pass on to the next generation of rugby players in Israel, and where do you see the sport in the coming years?
Do not give up. Believe that persistence has a future. If not in Israel, then abroad. Girls who start playing rugby in their early teenage years have opportunities that I never had. I want to strengthen them and give them the perseverance and self belief to continue doing what they love and what makes them feel good.