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Harlequins fullback Orla Proctor talks balancing military duty and rugby dreams
By Ciara Fearn
For Orla Proctor, rugby is far more than a game; it’s a journey. At 21, she’s already charted a path marked by dedication and resilience—from her early days at Stirling County, moving through Leicester, and now making her Premiership debut with Harlequins. But Proctor’s rugby dreams are just one side of her story.
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As a member of the Royal Air Force, she also balances her military duties with her rugby ambitions, a dual commitment that demands serious discipline, unwavering focus, and an undeniable love for both fields.
Proctor spoke with RugbyPass about her journey, her dual commitments, and her dreams for the future.
From ballet shoes to rugby boots
While Proctor’s roots are firmly embedded in rugby, her journey didn’t start there.
“There were a few reasons I got into rugby. My friend had been playing for a few years, and my sister had just started as well. Our area was big on rugby.
“I actually started out as a dancer – I used to do ballet. When I realised that wasn’t for me, I began going to my brother’s rugby games, and eventually, I gave it a go myself. From there, I never looked back.
Her passion for the game quickly blossomed, and she went from strength to strength.
“In my first year, I won the ‘Most Improved Player’ award at my club. I just remember being so tough and deciding not to look back, that wasn’t me.
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“Playing for Stirling County was great – I was playing with all my friends. Many other Scottish teams struggled for girls.
“I think the influence of the older girls, such as my sister. Really helped me and all my friends get involved.
Proctor’s journey soon took her beyond Stirling County, leading to a big move.
“Moving from a Scottish team to the English Premiership was a big jump. The training standards are higher, and you have to keep proving yourself.
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“People don’t know who you are, so you’ve got to turn up, and put in the work. I wouldn’t change any part of it; it’s all part of the process.”
Scottish roots and the influence of the ‘Wolf Pack’
Proctor’s beginnings at Stirling County left an imprint that has continued to shape her on and off the field.
“My roots have shaped me massively. I’ve always been a Stirling County girl from the moment I started at five years old – it was like a family, and the support I had was immense.
“My dad was one of my coaches, and my mum helped manage the girls’ section.
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“The emblem on the Stirling County jersey was a wolf – my coach always used to refer to us as the ‘Wolf Pack’ because our coach emphasised teamwork and family, – that sense of unity has stuck with me.”
In Scotland, Proctor learned resilience and leadership, but her journey also brought challenges.
“Playing in Scotland taught me leadership and resilience, but it also led me to put a lot of pressure on myself.
“As I grew in the game, I learned how crucial it was to find balance. Rugby isn’t just about the game; it’s also about managing stress, finding outlets, and remembering why I play—to enjoy it.”
Balancing life in the RAF and elite rugby, where routine is everything
Proctor’s journey took a unique turn when she joined the RAF, adding another layer of responsibility to her life as an elite athlete.
“My commitments have taught me further teamwork skills, a lot about routine, and looking at the value in everyone’s individual strengths.
“I rely on my RAF bosses and line manager to support my rugby commitments, but the discipline comes from setting a daily routine and sticking to it.
“In the RAF, we’re taught to value each person’s strengths, whether it’s physical skill, leadership, or something else, and to use those strengths for the team. It’s the same in rugby—you learn to play to each other’s strengths.
For Proctor, balancing these two worlds has taught her important lessons.
“The discipline I’ve gained from the military has been invaluable. I’d put my body on the line for my teammates just like I would for my RAF colleagues.”
Honouring service on Remembrance Sunday
This year’s Remembrance Sunday holds a special place in Proctor’s heart. She walked out in her RAF uniform and laid a wreath to honour the fallen—a moment that brings together her dual roles in a powerful way.
“Remembrance means to me, acknowledging people in the process. Those we’ve gained and lost throughout the years.
“No military person decides to sign up to serve with the preemptive thought that something could happen to them or their mates.
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“They sign up to help people and to do the job as well as every other aspect of the military – from frontline assets and personnel who work behind the scenes, they all help to provide a better tomorrow.”
Reflecting on Remembrance Sunday this year, Proctor shared her gratitude for the opportunity.
“For me, it’s about recognising the broader purpose behind our roles, both in the military and in rugby.”
Elite sevens and the dream of a Scotland cap
As a player, Proctor has worn many jerseys. Her experience in Elite 7s rugby has given her a unique skill set for the 15s game.
“Playing sevens has made me quicker in reacting to unplanned ballplay, especially at turnovers. In sevens, it’s all about making quick, decisive moves—whether it’s an offload, a tackle, or a rock-solid defensive line.
“I’d say it’s given me more agility and awareness, which are essential in the 15s game.
“Having gone through military training, physically it’s definitely made me more robust. It’s giving me a deeper understanding of the importance of keeping fit and delivering to high standards.
“It’s not just going to your rugby session, it’s keeping yourself physically and mentally robust – doing your prehab, so you don’t have to go through rehabilitation.
“Just knowing that you’re putting others’ needs first, is quite a powerful mindset to have, especially to transfer onto the rugby pitch – you’re going to put your body on the line for these girls until the final whistle.”
Beyond her current commitments, Proctor has set her sights on a higher goal: international play.
“I’m focused on constantly improving my game, keeping hands on the ball, and maintaining high standards in both 15s and sevens.
“I’m also planning to head up to Scotland and play in the Celtic Challenge this season, which is a great chance for more game time and for the coaches to see me.
“Although I’m eligible to play for Ireland or England, representing Scotland at a senior level would mean everything after all my time with the Scottish age groups.
“My goal is to keep playing rugby at a high level, and if that opportunity comes, I’ll be ready to take it.”
Lessons from each club
Proctor’s journey has taken her from Stirling County to Leicester and now to Harlequins, and each club has taught her valuable lessons.
“Going from club to club, you definitely need to fit the way they want to play. At Stirling County, I developed evasive skills and a strong fend that became my signature.
“At Leicester, I learned defensive positioning, especially when isolated on the pitch.
“Harlequins have taught me the importance of leveraging my teammates’ skills—it’s drilled into us that everyone has a role, which aligns so well with my military training. The professional approach here at Harlequins has been a great fit for me.”
A resilient spirit
When asked to sum up her rugby journey in one word, Proctor’s answer was immediate: ‘Resilience’.
“From the early days pushing through the boys’ age groups, to striving for call-ups in Scotland squads, to balancing rugby with the military—it’s always been about determination and not letting setbacks stop me.
“It’s been a journey filled with family, opportunity, and fun, but resilience really defines it all.”
Proctor’s story is one of grit and passion, forged from her Scottish roots and strengthened through military discipline.
With each step—from Stirling County to Harlequins and possibly a Scotland cap—she has embraced every challenge, staying true to her values of teamwork, service, and resilience.
As she honoured her RAF commitment on Remembrance Sunday, Proctor is not just playing for herself; she’s playing for everyone who has supported her journey so far and for everyone who has come before her.
