If 'male allies' are to be of significant value in sport's battle for equality, then Ugo Monye is proving himself to be a treasure in the trenches.
The former Harlequins talisman has seamlessly transitioned from rugby talent to media personality and is now one of the foremost male voices promoting women's sport. That remit was once restricted more exclusively to rugby, but England's historic run to Euro 2022 glory in July has expanded Monye's mind in regards to the potential impact it could have on sport as a whole.
Football is the biggest sport in the world, after all, but has been marred in modern times by ugly scenes off the pitch, like those experienced at the Euro 2020 final when droves of fans stormed Wembley. Those scenes were in stark contrast to the light-hearted pictures painted across England's stadia this summer, where Chloe Kelly's extra-time winner against Germany was watched by record audiences.
"We've seen unbelievable success with the women's football team at the Euros this summer - not just their achievements on the pitch, but the attitude and the positive force they've had off it," Monye told Mirror Sport in partnership with the 'In Bioglan Balance' campaign. "I was at the men's Euros final in 2020 - a very different experience to anyone that was at Wembley a few weeks ago."
Euro 2022's decider drew a peak audience of 17.4million people, making it the most watched television event in the UK so far this year, as well as its most watched women's football match. It's Monye's hope England's Red Roses can use that motivation to win the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand later this year, but he also believes it's essential we capitalise on this moment to make a more lasting impact.
"Long gone is [the view that] 'people don't watch women's football.' There's an incredible appetite for it - there truly is - and that's amazing," added the 14-cap former England international. "But in terms of the legacy, that's kind of out of the hands of the players on the pitch who delivered their success - they've done their part. We as the public need to do ours.
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"Everyone always talks about, 'Oh, this needs to be the moment we see real change.' It's good to talk about it, but we also need to do it. I think there are people who can preach about it but think it's other people's problems to see that change."
At 39 years of age, Monye's days in the spotlight are over from a playing perspective, but he's eager to promote change in a world where his two daughters may one day take up the mantle. And it's not only in the more global sense he's in search of balance, but on a personal level, too.
The ex-winger was thrust into rugby's spotlight after completing his A-levels at 18, thriving for England's sevens side before eventually earning his senior debut in 2008. So devoted was he to developing as a rugby professional that he neglected certain aspects of his training and life in general.
"It's nice just to find those moments of quiet and calm where you get to focus on yourself," said Monye, who has added pilates and more self-care to his regime after teaming up with Bioglan. "I'd encourage anyone to take part in anything that focuses on your physical or mental health, prioritise some time just for you, doing whatever you need to do.
"Some people go for a walk or a swim, reading a book, whatever it is that floats your boat and gets you ticking - just make sure you have time for yourself, because the days can quickly pass you by without doing anything for yourself."
Monye's eagerness to improve—and see improvement in others—is endearing, though anyone familiar with his ideals will be well aware. The former Quins ace has made a habit of shining a light on women's sport, appearing on Amazon Prime documentary No Woman, No Cry to explain the difficulties women face in rugby compared to their male peers.
That description could sadly be applied to women's sport in a more general sense, however, but the wheel is (slowly but surely) turning for the better. There are large swathes of society that still need convincing, however, and the only way to help even the stakes is by investing in the industry.
"The [Women's Super League] kicks off in September - go and watch your Premier League team, go watch our stars," concluded Monye. "Buy a ticket, go buy a shirt, a magazine, get a programme. We know it's an incredible atmosphere to be a part of."
Former Rugby Player Ugo Monye has partnered with supplement brand Bioglan for their first series ‘In Bioglan Balance’ alongside influencer Mat Carter to show how he finds balance in his busy life. To watch the series, visit @bioglansupplements on Instagram
