Jodie Ounsley

Rugby player, Gladiator (Fury), advocate

British Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, England

Share on Facebook Share on X Share on WhatsApp Share on LinkedIn

Quick Info

ProfessionRugby player, Gladiator (Fury), advocate
NationalityBritish
Date of Birth17/01/2001
Age25 years
BirthplaceDewsbury, West Yorkshire, England

Latest News about Jodie Ounsley

09/04/2025

Jodie Ounsley's second children's book, Strong Girls, co-authored with Becky Grey, was released on 9 April 2025. The book continues her work as a children's author and advocate by focusing on confidence, resilience, and empowerment for young readers.

01/01/2025

Jodie Ounsley remained in the public spotlight after retiring from professional rugby in 2024 and continuing her work as Fury on BBC's Gladiators. In 2024 she also worked as an interviewer for Channel 4's coverage of the Paris Paralympics, expanding her profile as a broadcaster and advocate.

Do you like Jodie Ounsley?

You can vote only once.

Bio/Wiki

DescriptionProfoundly deaf rugby union winger for Exeter Chiefs Women, first deaf female to play senior England rugby, world's first deaf female rugby sevens international, former British Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion, Honorary President of UK Deaf Sport.

Personal Life

HearingProfoundly deaf from premature birth and medication; youngest in UK to receive cochlear implant as toddler.

Family

RelationFather
NamePhil Ounsley
DetailsFormer West Yorkshire Police inspector and world coal carrying champion.
RelationPartner
NameEllen Ramsbottom
DetailsFormer rugby teammate.

Career

Sports
  • Sport: Rugby union Teams: Exeter Chiefs Women (2022-), Sale Sharks Women (2020-), England 7s (2019-, full contract), GB Women 7s (2020 Olympics provisional) Achievements: World Sevens Series debut 2019, first try Cape Town 2019, first senior England cap 2019
  • Sport: Brazilian jiu-jitsu Achievements: British champion, British Open gold
  • Sport: Athletics Achievements: 5x Deaf Athletics Championship sprint titles, UK representative Deaf Olympics
  • Sport: Coal carrying Achievements: 5x junior world champion
  • Sport: Rugby union Teams: Exeter Chiefs Women (2022-), Sale Sharks Women (2020-), England 7s (2019-, full contract), GB Women 7s (2020 Olympics provisional) Achievements: World Sevens Series debut 2019, first try Cape Town 2019, first senior England cap 2019, retired from professional rugby in 2024
OtherGladiator 'Fury' in 2024 BBC Gladiators reboot, TikTok creator, speaker, HSBC Global Ambassador, BBC Women’s Hour Power List 2023, Deaf Sports Personality of the Year 2020, Young Deaf Sports Personality of the Year, interviewer for Channel 4's coverage of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, children's author, former rugby player, Patron of The Elizabeth Foundation, co-author

Social Media

TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@jodieounsley
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/jodieounsley/
LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-ounsley-998082187

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. Born prematurely in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire.
2. At age 3, sprinted around kitchen carrying sack of carrots.
3. Injured shoulder in 2023-24 Allianz Cup, returned April 2024.
Information on this page is collected from public sources and may not be 100% accurate. Report an error
Scroll to Top