Lionesses Spotlight: Vera van der Zwan — a captain’s pride, a coach’s next chapter
Vera van der Zwan has played in every Dutch Lionesses match and captained the team in each one. Against Scotland this Saturday, she will experience something new: watching from the sidelines as a coach, helping the next group carry forward what she helped build.
It promises to be an emotional occasion for the former hooker from Zwolle, whose commitment to the Lionesses has always been about bringing out the best in those around her.
“I might not be on the field anymore, but I’ll always be there for the team.”
Away from rugby, Vera teaches physical education and practical skills at a secondary school she once attended as a pupil. It was during her own school days that a PE teacher first recognised her enthusiasm for the sport.
“My PE teacher encouraged me to take up rugby because I loved tackling the big guys in my class way too much!”
Her mother needed a little more convincing.
“My mum wasn’t too keen on the idea, though, as she thought rugby was far too rough. Once I moved out of home, I finally started playing rugby—and I’ve never looked back!”
Finding a home with the Wolves
Vera’s introduction to Rugby League came through the Zwolle Wolves, where she played alongside the men from the club’s earliest days. She also encouraged her husband, originally from the south of the Netherlands, to join.
“I thought it would be a great way for him to get to know people from my hometown. It turned out to be something we could enjoy together, and we both felt really at home with the team.”
It was another Wolves player, Pablo, who encouraged her to attend an introductory session for the Netherlands women’s team.
There, she met Brett Davidson—and received an early introduction to his enthusiasm for what the Lionesses could become.
“After my first training session, Brett Davidson came up to me and started talking about legacy,” she recalls.
“Being Dutch and pretty down-to-earth, I probably looked at him like, ‘What the hell do you want from me? Just leave me alone!’”
Looking back, the conversation has taken on a different meaning.
“I guess the rest is history! I went on to play every match for the Netherlands and captained the team in every single one of them.”
Taking on the biggest challenge
As a hooker, Vera never shied away from the physical side of Rugby League. In fact, the bigger the opponent, the more she enjoyed the challenge.
“I just love to tackle the big props! Feeling like little David against Goliath.”
But her approach to captaincy went well beyond making tackles. Wearing the Dutch jersey meant taking responsibility for her own performance and helping her teammates find their best.
“Putting on the Dutch jersey means a lot to me. It’s about representing your country, but it’s also about bringing out the best in the people around you.”
For Vera, pride in a performance cannot be measured by the scoreboard alone.
“Throughout my life, I’ve experienced both winning and losing, but for me, it has never been just about the result. It’s about getting the very best out of yourself and others.”
“Whether you win or lose, when I look at myself in the mirror after a game, I want to be able to say, ‘I gave it everything I had.’ And if I can help my teammates do the same, then that’s what really matters to me.”
A different view against Scotland
Saturday’s international marks a significant change. Having swapped playing for coaching, Vera will support the Lionesses from the sidelines as Hiske Blom takes on the captaincy.
“The game against Scotland will be the first time I won’t be out on the field alongside the girls, and I know that’s going to be a big thing for me.”
Watching another player wear the number nine shirt will be particularly poignant. Vera also holds Lionesses heritage number nine, giving the number an additional personal significance.
“That’s going to be a special moment, and probably a bit emotional, too.”
Above all, however, she sees an opportunity for someone else to make their contribution.
“I’m incredibly proud that someone else gets the opportunity to wear that shirt and carry on what we’ve built together.”
“I know the girls will give it absolutely everything they’ve got, and I’ll be right there on the sidelines, supporting them in any way I can.”
A world champion at home
Vera’s stories away from rugby are just as memorable.
She once worked as a podium girl at a cycling race and was subsequently invited to take part in an international professional event. A chemistry exam meant she had to decline.
“Priorities, right?”
And she grew up alongside a world champion—her pet Dobermann.
“She slept in my bed for several years, so I guess I grew up sharing my bed with a world champion!”
This weekend, Vera will bring her familiar humour, determination and care for her teammates into a new role. The view of the pitch will be different, but her ambition remains the same: helping every Lioness finish the match knowing she gave everything.
The Dutch Lionesses face Scotland on Saturday 17 October at Castricum Rugby Club, with kick-off at 14:00 local time.
Comments