Maddie Feaunati discusses mental health after World Cup victory
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 6:00 AM
Last updated Sep 11, 2026

England rugby player Maddie Feaunati has opened up about her decision to seek therapy following her team's World Cup success last September. The 24-year-old back rower experienced feelings of confusion and emotional overwhelm after rapidly rising to prominence on the international stage. Feaunati noted that while she initially struggled to regulate her emotions during a hectic period in her career, the professional support helped clarify her mental state. She joined England in early 2024 and became a regular fixture in the side, including throughout the recent Six Nations tournament. After starting her rugby career later than many peers, the daughter of former Samoa player Zak Feaunati has established herself as a regular in the Red Roses pack. She now credits the mental health support for helping her better understand her personal well-being alongside the demands of professional sports.
- •Maddie Feaunati sought therapy to process emotional challenges after winning the World Cup last September.
- •The 24-year-old committed to England at the start of 2024.
- •Feaunati was raised in New Zealand and played for Otago Spirit in 2020.
- •She cites the England team environment as a key factor in her professional development.
- 6:00 AMYahoo Sports — Red Roses star Maddie Feaunati: Why I went to therapy after winning the World Cup
"EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Exclusive interview: A year on from reaching the top of the rugby world, the England No 8 sits down with Harry Latham-Coyle to reflect on a whirlwind two years and look to the future
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