Rugby sevens star Emma Uren is half-Swedish, and her family runs a clog-selling business.
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This venture was started by her Swedish mother, Lotta, who previously worked for Warner Music in Stockholm and was well-acquainted with celebrities like Madonna and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Growing up, Emma had playdates with Madonna’s daughter.
“If any artist came to Sweden, Mum would take care of them,” Emma explained. “She’d handle everything—taking them to their venues, managing their schedules, dealing with the media, and ensuring they had a great time so they’d want to return.
“The first gig I ever went to was the Red Hot Chili Peppers when I was really young because Mum and Dad were working with them. Mum often talks about clubbing with them and how crazy it was going out for dinner because they’d only order food based on their blood type.
“It would take two hours to order! They’d want the chicken but had to check its blood group. Yeah, mad. And there are other stories where she had to keep them out of jail!
“She also mentioned in passing that I used to play with Madonna’s child. When Madonna came to Sweden, she’d bring her kid, and we’d play together since we were the same age. It’s absolutely weird!”
Emma was a talented swimmer in her teens, coached by Sydney Olympian Ed Sinclair. However, a bout of glandular fever hampered her swimming career, leading her to focus on rugby instead.
After major hamstring surgery in early 2020, the former Saracens star helped Team GB finish fourth at the Tokyo Olympics.
“Role models” – Five England women stars you need to follow on Instagram
Let’s spotlight five standout Red Roses players worth following on Instagram. From motivating moms to fitness enthusiasts, these stars are sure to inspire.
#1. HOLLY AITCHISON
Given Holly’s familial background with her father Ian being a former England U20 and Saxons player as well as Waterloo’s director of rugby, it made perfect sense for her to pursue rugby.
Aitchison herself boasts an impressive resume, having represented England in various capacities, including age-grade levels, the HSBC World Sevens Series, and even at the Olympic Games for Team GB.
Joining Saracens in 2020 marked the beginning of her remarkable journey, highlighted by scoring a try during her England 15s debut in 2021. This momentum carried her to the starting lineup for the 2021 Rugby World Cup final and secured her a spot in Simon Middleton’s Six Nations squad in 2023.
Demonstrating her prowess, she played a pivotal role in the Red Roses’ victorious campaign at the inaugural WXV1 tournament in New Zealand. Now, Holly’s achievements continue to flourish as she recently earned a place in John Mitchell’s squad for the 2024 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.
