NRL AMBASSADOR
RUAN SIMS
FAST FACTS
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Nickname:
Born:
Junior League Club:
Club:
Representative teams:
Ru
Gerringong, NSW
Gerringong Lions
Cronulla Sharks
Australian Jillaroos, NSW Interstate Challenge
FUN FACTS
» Favourite NRL team:
» Career ambition as a child:
» Favourite food:
Cronulla Sharks, Brisbane Broncos and St George Illawarra Dragons
Superhero
Pizza
BIOGRAPHY
Ruan Sims is one women’s rugby league’s most successful players, currently captaining the Australian Jillaroos, NSW State of
Origin, and Cronulla Sharks women’s pathway program.
Growing up playing with her brothers and sister at Gerringong Lions, it wasn’t long before Ruan and her three brothers, Ashton,
Korbin and Tariq, and sister Canecia, started building a family legacy within Australian elite sport like no other.
“All three of my brothers play elite rugby league, and my sister is in the Australian Grid Iron team. We all support each other’s
teams but it will be interesting when Korbin and Tariq come up against each other this season,” said Ruan.
After dominating rugby union for 11 years, Ruan hung up her boots to become a fire fighter and a couple of years later found her
way back to rugby league through a friend and reignited her passion for the game.
“When I started playing rugby league again just five years ago, I found the passion I thought I had lost. I am so thankful to have
found my way back to this great game which means so much to me. I am eternally grateful for this sport – it has been an amazing
journey.”
Ruan was one of the first women to became a NRL Ambassador in 2015 and since has been involved in NRL Community programs
including Voice Against Violence, State of Mind, NRL Community Carnival, Harmony Cup and Respectful Relationships.
“Like so many ambassadors, we do this to give back to the NRL community who have supported us and the game which means so
much to us.
“I am so inspired by the NRL Community programs which does so much good for our top and developing players, ultimately
making all of us better athletes. I want to ensure the next generation of players receive every opportunity and more to keep our
game great.
“Visiting the Pacific last year and delivering the Voice Against Violence program was so inspiring. I really do feel like I have a lot
more to offer the game and its community and really look forward to continuing the NRL’s work this year as a NRL Ambassador.”
Today Ruan lives in Cronulla, NSW, and in addition to her work as a professional rugby league player and NRL Ambassador, works
full time as a fire fighter.