Matt Meets Emma Swords

Emma Swords is a scrum-half for Harlequins, but she’s also a business owner. Her latest venture, Below The Shoulder, launched in August 2025. It is a clothing line run by Emma and three other rugby players: Jess Breach and Zoe Harrison (Saracens), and Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears). I recently spoke to her about life on and off the pitch.

The Interview

MB: Emma, firstly, for those who may not know a lot about you, can you give us an introduction?

ES: I’m Emma. I’ve been playing in the Premiership for the last 13 years of my life. I’ve represented Saracens, Quins, and Ealing Trailfinders. I picked up a "one-cap wonder" for Ireland and am now just embracing club rugby for Quins while balancing my businesses.

MB: How and why did you get into rugby?

ES: I got into rugby through my PE teacher—shout out to Mr. Calendar! I actually walked away from it for a bit, but my friends continued, so I jumped back on the bandwagon.

MB: Congratulations on your 50th cap for Harlequins! How did it feel to reach that milestone?

ES: 50 caps for Quins was a great feeling, but I definitely take more from how hard it was and what I’ve endured to get there. Switching clubs to stay in the Prem and staying relevant... Non-EQP (England Qualified Player) status played havoc with selection, so it was not a linear journey. It was a huge emotional rollercoaster, which will absolutely be the main thing I take away—more than the flowers and the champagne.

MB: What goals do you have for this season?

ES: This season, I just want to enjoy the minutes I get, prove to myself I’m still competitive, and enjoy helping some of the youngsters coming up.

MB: Jade Konkel is retiring at the end of the season. How big of an impact has she had during her time with Quins, and what will you miss most about playing alongside her?

ES: Jadey is one of life’s very good people. Firstly, she cares deeply; these days, that’s pretty hard to find. Do I think she’s crazy with her work-life-play ratio? Well, what is "crazy"? But she’s incredibly brave, and how she conducts herself in her role as a firefighter is exactly how she conducts herself around the club. I’ll miss her dearly. It’s good to surround yourself with good people.

MB: The PWR final is taking place at The Stoop this year. Is that an extra incentive for the team?

ES: I’ve been saying for years that The Stoop would be the best place for a final—minus the Allianz. A London final means people can properly make a weekend of it. In terms of Quins, it would be great, but I wouldn’t say it’s our main external motivation. We have to get there regardless.

MB: Talk to me about ‘Below The Shoulder.’ What inspired the four of you to set it up?

ES: BTS was born out of women’s rugby being relentlessly pushed down either the "child fan" or the "family" route. That is great for being inclusive, but what about young women who care about partying or style? It’s not a finished project yet, but I couldn’t stand by and see some of the World Cup merch be so unrelatable to women my age. Sorry, World Rugby!

MB: What have you got planned next? Tell me about the Capital Clash (Harlequins v Saracens in the PWR).

ES: The Capital Clash is our next event, with Below The Shoulder hosting the first Eat It Up event. Women like bottomless bubbles—why can’t that be part of their rugby experience? Tickets are still available here: belowtheshoulder.co.uk/eatitupwaitlist

MB: Finally, what’s next for Emma Swords?

ES: Well, I’m trying to pave my way. I absolutely want to be part of changing the image of women’s rugby and really putting the girls at the forefront of it all. I want to get the girls commercial deals and help show that there are stories relatable to so many current and potential female fans.

You can find Below the Shoulder store by following the below link:

https://www.belowtheshoulder.co.uk/eatitupwaitlist