Irish international rugby star and Trinity alumna Linda Djougang was today announced as a brand ambassador for Trinity Sport in recognition of being a role model both on and off the pitch and the power of sport to open doors. The recognition also follows her standout performance in Ireland’s hard-fought campaign at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, where Linda received her fiftieth international cap.
Linda first discovered her love for rugby during a social tag rugby tournament organised as part of an internship. Balancing her studies in General Nursing at Trinity College Dublin with elite-level training, Linda found her footing in both sport and academics with the support of the Trinity Access Programmes (TAP), which work to widen access and participation in higher education for under-represented groups.
Linda is a passionate advocate for the TAP and a role model for inclusivity in rugby and for young athletes aspiring to combine academic and sporting excellence. Linda reflected on the pivotal role TAP played in her journey: “I finished secondary school in 2014. I didn't know what I wanted to do in college. Trinity and the Trinity Access Programmes gave me an opportunity. I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for the Access Programmes and everything, they’ve given me. They supported me when I was playing Colours, playing for my province. It wasn't just in college – it was beyond. To this day, when I play for Ireland, they still support me. It’s such a special feeling knowing they still have my back.”
Over four years, Linda went from learning the rules of the sport to earning her first Leinster cap and training with the Ireland squad, alongside her nursing studies at Trinity. Accolades and awards have followed alongside her rapid rugby career progression:
- Sport Scholar at Trinity College Dublin
- Trinity Sports Person of the Year in 2019 in recognition of her rugby prowess
- Leinster Player of the Year for 2024-25
- Awarded 52 international caps as of September 2025, including receiving her fiftieth cap at the recent Women’s Rugby World Cup
Michelle Tanner, Director of Sport and Physical Activity at Trinity, said: “We are delighted to welcome Linda Djougang to the Trinity Sport ambassador programme. Her journey from discovering rugby at Trinity to representing Ireland on the world stage exemplifies the values of resilience, dedication and excellence that we aim to inspire across our student body. Trinity Sport is proud to celebrate her achievements and provide opportunities for students and the wider community to engage with elite sport and learn from her experience.”
Linda Djougang commented: “Being named a Trinity Sport ambassador is a true honour. Trinity has been central to my journey, both academically and in rugby and I hope to inspire the next generation of athletes to believe in their potential and embrace the opportunities that sport and education can offer.”
Previous Trinity Sport brand ambassadors include Trinity alumni Nicole Owens (Dublin Ladies GAA player), Mark Pollock (motivational speaker and adventurer), Ailish Egan (former Irish Rugby international), Ed Joyce (Head coach of Ireland’s women’s cricket team) and Hugo MacNeill (former British & Irish Lions Rugby Union international).
Further information
- Linda Djougang Sport Ambassador photos Google Drive link
- Linda Djougang Trinity Sport ambassador press release FIN pdf
For media inquiries, contact:
Liz Bruton
Media and Communications Officer
Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin
Email: ebruton@tcd.ie