Stephen Jones, rugby correspondent The Sunday Times retweeted of Mui: “World’s first rugby referee with Harlequin Ichthyosis skin disorder, would like your support”
“All of my life, I wanted to get away from being some sort of Victorian freak show exhibit, even if it’s just for a little while. Then, three years ago, I found something that was both inclusive and welcoming. I discovered rugby.” The Sun
“She also has a seriously debilitating skin condition that could drastically shorten her life." The Guardian
Getting involved in rugby has risks. Mui does not sweat.
For Mui, being encased in her skin is a bit like sitting in a car on a hot day with the windows rolled up.
And just as fatal.
For Mui, being encased in her skin is a bit like sitting in a car on a hot day with the windows rolled up.
And just as fatal.
Tina and I were told sport would never be possible for Mui.
We, as parents, have never accepted limits like that.
Just because it's hard, doesn't mean it can't be done. Nothing is impossible.
We, as parents, have never accepted limits like that.
Just because it's hard, doesn't mean it can't be done. Nothing is impossible.
Mui says:
"On the rugby field, I'm judged on my merits, whether I can officiate a match. The fact I have a skin disorder and look different bears no relevance to anyone. That's a fantastic feeling
"On the rugby field, I'm judged on my merits, whether I can officiate a match. The fact I have a skin disorder and look different bears no relevance to anyone. That's a fantastic feeling
"Mui, who acquired her dad's love for rugby, was also keen to get into the sport." SCMP
Brian O'Driscoll, Ireland & British & Irish Lions rugby legend and captain: "I hear you are going from strength to strength in your refereeing so well done on that... with very best wishes, Brian"
Nigel Owens, MBE, World Cup rugby referee: "Best of luck with everything. Keep in touch. xx"
Dai Rees, Chief Rugby Operations Officer, Hong Kong Rugby Union: "Mui Thomas is an incredible, inspirational and much loved human being! Her positive passion and drive for Life, HK Rugby and Wales is unrivalled! x"
Rob Howley, Welsh rugby captain, British & Irish Lion and Wales attach coach: “ You are a true inspiration to everyone, your courage and bravery is an example to all. All the very best in your future endeavours”. Best wishes, Rob "
Annabelle Bond, OBE, International adventurer & activist: "From the moment I was introduced to Mui a few years ago I was blown away by her resilience and zest for life."
Mike Ruddock, OBE, Wales rugby coach & winner of the first Welsh grand Slam in 27 years: “Mui you have achieved so much and against all odds your determination to succeed and the support from your loving family have been key factors in assisting your outstanding achievements. Keep smiling as your success proves that effort and determination can help people achieve great things. Keep achieving, and keep inspiring others!! Respect...Mike Ruddock”
Non Evans, MBE, Wales rugby international & Commonwealth Games competitor: What an amazing person Mui is. To have overcome such obstacles and still to have achieved so much success is inspirational. I wish Mui all the best for the future. I will be looking out for you...! Best wishes Non Evans MBE’
Will Carling, OBE, England rugby captain, British & Irish Lion: "Yours in total admiration."
Stephanie Millward, MBE, Double Gold medallist & Paralympic Swimmer: Mui is incredible! Everyone should hear her story and learn and grow from her strength!
Nigel Owens, MBE, World Cup rugby referee: "Best of luck with everything. Keep in touch. xx"
Dai Rees, Chief Rugby Operations Officer, Hong Kong Rugby Union: "Mui Thomas is an incredible, inspirational and much loved human being! Her positive passion and drive for Life, HK Rugby and Wales is unrivalled! x"
Rob Howley, Welsh rugby captain, British & Irish Lion and Wales attach coach: “ You are a true inspiration to everyone, your courage and bravery is an example to all. All the very best in your future endeavours”. Best wishes, Rob "
Annabelle Bond, OBE, International adventurer & activist: "From the moment I was introduced to Mui a few years ago I was blown away by her resilience and zest for life."
Mike Ruddock, OBE, Wales rugby coach & winner of the first Welsh grand Slam in 27 years: “Mui you have achieved so much and against all odds your determination to succeed and the support from your loving family have been key factors in assisting your outstanding achievements. Keep smiling as your success proves that effort and determination can help people achieve great things. Keep achieving, and keep inspiring others!! Respect...Mike Ruddock”
Non Evans, MBE, Wales rugby international & Commonwealth Games competitor: What an amazing person Mui is. To have overcome such obstacles and still to have achieved so much success is inspirational. I wish Mui all the best for the future. I will be looking out for you...! Best wishes Non Evans MBE’
Will Carling, OBE, England rugby captain, British & Irish Lion: "Yours in total admiration."
Stephanie Millward, MBE, Double Gold medallist & Paralympic Swimmer: Mui is incredible! Everyone should hear her story and learn and grow from her strength!
Meeting Irish Legend Brian O'Driscoll
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Meeting All Black legend Dan Carter
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Rugby World Cup final referee, Nigel Owens wrote to Mui about being a referee:
Mui - "What an amazing achievement. Best of luck with everything. Keep in touch xx" |
“Mui Thomas is a very special HK Welsh girl inspiring people all over the world! Her positive passion and drive for Life, HK Rugby and Wales is unrivalled! I feel privileged to know, work with and call Mui a very special friend to me and my family, Sarah, Maisie, Tirion and Will! She has a “naughty” and “wicked” sense of humour that makes people smile all day long! Mui Thomas is an incredible, inspirational and much loved human being! x” Dai Rees. Chief Rugby Operations Officer, Hong Kong Rugby Union
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“From the moment I was introduced to Mui a few years ago I was blown away by her resilience and zest for life. Her story is a powerful one and she is an inspiration to all in what she has achieved and accomplished in her life. She has defied all odds and done so with a beaming smile on her face. She has my utmost respect.” Annabelle Bond OBE
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Mike Ruddock OBE, Wales rugby coach & winner of the first Welsh Grand Slam in 27 years wrote:
Dear Roger & Tina. Thank you for reaching out and sharing your inspirational story about Mui and the challenges you have all faced over the years. Mui looks so happy and contented with life and with her remarkable sporting success in the photos. Her personality, resilience and courage shine through like a Beacon and the photos put a smile on my face every time I look at them.
Mui you have achieved so much and against all odds your determination to succeed and the support from your loving family have been key factors in assisting your outstanding achievements. I wish you continued success and most of all continued happiness. Keep smiling as your success proves that effort and determination can help people achieve great things.
In 1985 At 26 my world came crashing down when I had to give up a promising rugby career due to an industrial accident. I had been capped by Wales B and I was in the Wales senior squad. Due to a fall I fractured my skull and three vertebrae in my back. I lost the hearing in one ear and I suffered all sorts of balance problems and migraines consistent with a serious head injury. I said to my dad “if I can’t play for Wales then I will have to coach Wales”! In 2005 my dream came true and as coach of Wales we won the first Grand Slam in 27 years!!! Like you Mui, I have overcome many difficulties to achieve my goal. Your story is amazing and stories like ours show that anything is possible with encouragement, support, love from those around you but most of all from your effort and determination to succeed! Keep achieving, and keep inspiring others!! Respect...Mike Ruddock
Dear Roger & Tina. Thank you for reaching out and sharing your inspirational story about Mui and the challenges you have all faced over the years. Mui looks so happy and contented with life and with her remarkable sporting success in the photos. Her personality, resilience and courage shine through like a Beacon and the photos put a smile on my face every time I look at them.
Mui you have achieved so much and against all odds your determination to succeed and the support from your loving family have been key factors in assisting your outstanding achievements. I wish you continued success and most of all continued happiness. Keep smiling as your success proves that effort and determination can help people achieve great things.
In 1985 At 26 my world came crashing down when I had to give up a promising rugby career due to an industrial accident. I had been capped by Wales B and I was in the Wales senior squad. Due to a fall I fractured my skull and three vertebrae in my back. I lost the hearing in one ear and I suffered all sorts of balance problems and migraines consistent with a serious head injury. I said to my dad “if I can’t play for Wales then I will have to coach Wales”! In 2005 my dream came true and as coach of Wales we won the first Grand Slam in 27 years!!! Like you Mui, I have overcome many difficulties to achieve my goal. Your story is amazing and stories like ours show that anything is possible with encouragement, support, love from those around you but most of all from your effort and determination to succeed! Keep achieving, and keep inspiring others!! Respect...Mike Ruddock
Meeting Welsh star Mike Phillips
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Wales and British & Irish Lions attack coach, and former Wales rugby captain Rob Howley writes of Mui:
Mui - "You are a true inspiration to everyone, your courage and bravery is an example to all. All the very best in your future endeavours”. Best wishes, Rob Former England rugby captain Will Carling wrote to Mui:
Mui - "I think once you get your fitness levels up, Mr Nigel Owens will have to move aside! I hope most importantly that you are enjoying it, and don't take any back chat from any players once you start as a Ref. I really hope that one day soon I read about you taking charge of some big rugby matches. Yours in total admiration Will Carling" |
Mui dwarfed by Doddie Weir at the Hong Kong 7s!
Stephanie Millward MBE,
Double Gold medallist & Paralympic Swimmer. Mui is incredible!!! Every picture I've seen of her includes a beaming smile! The warmth and beauty inside shines through!!! Mui is inspiration and drive when everything is holding you down! Everyone should hear her story and learn and grow from her strength!!!!! Thank you Mui for being incredible!!! |
Mui's award for "inspirational in overcoming life's challenges and adversities" presented to her at the 2015 HKSRFUR Annual Referees Dinner
Meeting "The Hoff" at the H.K. 7s!
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Meeting The Village People at the H.K. 7s!
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Want to be a rugby referee in Hong Kong? Email Hugh Watkins or Matt Rodden.
[email protected] / [email protected]
[email protected] / [email protected]
Mui getting stuck in
With New Zealand All Black & Australian rugby legends
Training night at King's Park, Hong Kong