![Sample our Geography journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5937/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Geography.jpg"})
ABSTRACT
This study analyses the experiences of exiles within international rugby union in Britain. The emphasis is on challenging existing sociological assumptions surrounding national identity and sports labour migration. Eight international rugby exiles were invited to take part in semi-structured interviews and several themes emerged. The major findings from the study demonstrate that exiles are subject to an array of cultural attachments and personal experiences which shape their national identities. As migrants, their repositioning in relation to the nation is increasingly deemed to be the norm in rugby union. However, additional influences were also shown to persist to varying degrees.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Notes on contributors
Gabriel Carroll graduated from Loughborough University in 2016 with a degree in sport and exercise science. Having played for Loughborough Students and the Scotland U20 team, he returned to the place of his birth in 2016 to play rugby union professionally for the Hong Kong Football Club. He is also currently working as a Strength and Conditioning Coach at Pinnacle Performance HK. Address: 22A Yue King Building, 1 Leighton Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Email: [email protected].
Alan Bairner is Professor of Sport and Social Theory at Loughborough University. He is a co-editor of the Routledge Handbook of Sport and Politics (2017). He was forced to play rugby union at Dunfermline High School in Scotland and has been a committed soccer fan ever since. Address: School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Ashby Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK. LE11 3TU. Email: [email protected].