Outside the Lines: Akina Gondwe

Off the pitch, Akina brings the same composure she’s known for on it – translated through a wardrobe that balances ease with intentioned. Her style moves between relaxed, off-duty comfort and more considered, refined pieces, striking a quiet equilibrium between the two.

How would you describe your personal style?

I’d say it sits somewhere in the tomboy-femme space. I tend to move between streetwear and more elevated, formal streetwear depending on the day.

What does a typical off-day outfit look like for you?

It really depends on what I’ve got on. If I’m at home, I opt for one of my many tracksuits. If I’m heading out to see friends, I’ll usually dress it up a bit more.

Have you got any staple pieces that are your favourites, or that you've worn more recently?

At the moment, I’m really into smart trousers paired with something more casual, like a sweatshirt or a denim jacket. I wear loafers a lot too, they’re definitely a go-to.

Do you think your style has changed since playing elite rugby?

I think it has, but that’s probably more down to age than rugby. That said, rugby does play a part – my body has changed, so what I wear is often dictated by what fits and feels good.

Is there anything that you incorporate from rugby style into your personal style?

Most rugby kit is built for performance, so it’s not the easiest to wear casually. But I do like vintage rugby shirts, I’d always lean more towards something retro like that.

Do you think feeling confident in what you wear off the pitch feeds into your confidence on it, or do you think that's just a completely separate thing?

It definitely contributes to my overall confidence, even if the two feel quite separate. I’m in kit when I train, so I like having the freedom to express myself with what I wear outside of that.

Are you a fan of arrival fits?

100%. I think they’re great. There’s always going to be criticism if a team shows up in fits and then loses, but what you wear doesn’t affect performance. Rugby’s quite traditional, so it’d be good to see more of it.

Matchday Akina vs non-matchday Akina - how different are they style-wise?

Not massively different, to be honest. At Saracens, our pre-game wear is pretty good, and I usually style it with my own trainers. Even within a set kit, you can still put your own spin on it.

Is there a piece in your wardrobe that you always come back to, or a piece that means something special to you?

A few, actually. I wear a New Era beret all the time, it’s a bit of a repeat offender. I’ve also got a denim jacket I stole from my mum years ago, and a pair of tabi loafers I love.

Who or what inspires your style in any sort of way, whether that's teammates, social media, designers, or just life around you?

I always say Zoe Harrison. Her style is really feminine and chic, quite muted but with strong statement pieces. Olivia Apps is another, she’s got a really cool style.

I spend a lot of time on Pinterest putting together board, usually styling pieces I already own in different ways. I also follow Celeste Evans, who’s great for colour inspiration when I want to switch things up.

How important do you think it is for women’s rugby to show players’ personalities and style away from the pitch?

The PWR is arguably the best league in the world in terms of the on-field product, so it’s about building around that. Showing personality is a big part of it.

What makes the league so interesting is that not everyone is fully professional, people have different interests and talents, and fashion is one of them. Sharing that side helps fans and investors connect with us beyond rugby.

What fashion trend would you bring back from the grave?

Slip-on checkerboard Vans. I’ve had the same pair since my second year of uni, so I’d love to see them come back properly…if only to justify keeping them this long.