Maja Meuller: “My story isn’t perfect, but I am happy with it”

In the last few years, Harlequins Women have made efforts to sign players from all the corners of the world, be it the likes of Black Ferns Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and Layla Sae, Spain’s Las Leonas Laura Delgado and Claudia Peña Hidalgo, the Czech Tess Braunerova, or Canadian Sara Svoboda, plus many more.

Also in their midst of their far flung signings features the captain of Sweden’s 15s and sevens team, who has been one of the club’s fiercest and most loyal warriors. She is, Maja Meuller.

Born and raised in Sweden, Meuller moved to England in 2020, just after COVID started, and, despite some challenges and obstacles, she stood firm and was rewarded in the end by becoming a Premiership Women’s Rugby player.

“It all began in 2011 with a childhood friend who played rugby telling me to tag along and try it,” remembers the utility forward.

“At first, I said ‘No, thank you. I don’t think rugby is my thing.’ I was hesitant to give it a go, but in 2012, I was getting a bit tired of gymnastics and thought it would be fun to try something new. I went to a couple of sessions, trained with boys and girls, and after a few weeks the Swedish Youth Championships were happening in our hometown and our club enrolled a few girls teams.”

Although she did well, Meuller wasn’t convinced and went back to doing only gymnastics, until a year later, when her friend and a teacher convinced her to rejoin and try again and the outcome was different.

“I said yes, and this time around I really gave rugby and myself a chance. And as they say, the rest is history.”

Deciding to take a step up in her career, the Swede made the decision to move to England’s East Midlands with the initial goal to play for the University of Loughborough, however, she skipped that step and joined Loughborough’s PWR team a few months later, staying with the club until 2024, until moving to London and joining Harlequins.

Contrary to most of her teammates, Meuller is one of the few part-time players featuring regularly in the Quins weekend team sheet, covering as a front-rower or a loose forward, depending on the team’s needs.

But how does Meuller deal with the challenge of having to work in the day and train in the evenings? With balance and composure, as she explains.

 

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“It is hard to find the right balance, but as I am someone who likes to do things wholeheartedly and fully committed to doing things the right way, I have to find a way. So, I structure my week and work out how to switch on and switch off when I engage in a new task,” said the 28-year-old.

“I don’t have a lot of free time, but the experience I am acquiring is worth it. It is worth chasing your dream.”

Meuller has been working as a member of Harlequins’ marketing team, fully devoted to bringing her best to the table, both in the office and on the green turf.

“I feel so fortunate to still be here. When I reflect on my life in sports, I always end up asking the question ‘how did it happen? How am I here?’, as in my head I still think I haven’t reached my full potential, but I am already here playing with all of these world-class players. I think all of us are a bit guilty of downplaying our achievements.”

Having been in England for over half a decade, Meuller has never thought about giving up or doubting whether the sacrifice is worth it, as she isn’t doing it just for herself, but for those at home.

“Why would I not use the learnings of the past five and a half years to share with Swedish players who would do everything they could to be here? In smaller rugby nations like mine, we don’t have the same resources and tools, so I have to do whatever I can to give back and help my fellow Swedish teammates. Not everything that happens in England can be applied to Sweden, but some ideas should deserve a chance, and I want to share them.”

Meuller has represented her country in every possible tournament, be it sevens or 15s, helping her nation however she can, when she can.

In March 2025, she went back home, taking on the role of player coach and would join her former teammates to share knowledge, experience, and lessons, whilst thinking about Sweden’s rugby future.

“Witnessing their growth and resolve to play this sport motivates me to keep going.” explains Meuller. “There needs to be a focus on sustainably growing the women’s game, and to grow, we need to think long term, which means it is all about the young players, as they are our future. In a nation like Sweden, growth takes time, and it only becomes noticeable a few years in, so demanding it in the short term won’t work.”

And although Sweden has taken a step back, being demoted to the Women’s Rugby Europe Trophy competition, Meuller stills has aspirations that her country will achieve big things in the future.

“I know it’s a long shot, but I would definitely love to see Sweden qualify for a World Cup. We can give so much to the sport, and we will do whatever we can to achieve that dream.”

Living life in the PWR has been key for Meuller, who shares her enjoyment and satisfaction of having taken the risk back in 2020.

“Growing as a player, developing your skills and games, and learning how to be confident and how to deal when things don’t go my way have been important life lessons that I’ve learned in the PWR.

“It is a mix of pride and nerves every time I feature for Harlequins. There’s a lot of pressure on, as you never know when it will be your last time, and you want to enjoy it and do well, and express yourself on the pitch. The nerves never go away, even when you get better. It’s sports, it is part of it, but it is also a part of it to learn how to control those emotions and turn them to your advantage.”

As Meuller needs to go back to her tight schedule, she makes a final reflection upon her journey so far.

“There have been a few bumps on the road, challenges to overcome and sacrifices, some of which make you wonder if you have made the right choice, but I wouldn’t have changed a single thing about my journey.

“My story isn’t perfect, but I am happy with it. I have grown in all directions, and I am happy where I am at today. But I’m not going to stop here. The sky is the limit.”