5 MINUTES WITH A LEGENDARY UNE LION, KIKA MULLING
Kika Mulling is one of goal smashing UNE Rugby Lions.
We’re really excited to have Kika join us from the Netherlands, this girl is fast her try count is ever moving! Thank you for being a part of our team and representing UNE nationwide on a Aon Uni 7s Journey!
The strength of the UNE Lions brand is now crossing international waters with the Netherlands fullback joining our squad for the 2019 Aon Uni 7s Series. Kika is known on the international stage as a try scorer and we look forward to watching her set the field alight this year. Tom Bower, Program Manager.
Kika has shared a few moments with us to talk about her international journey!
What inspired you to get into Rugby?
In 2016 I took part in the Olympic Committee Talent ID day. There I was scouted to join the Dutch National Rugby 7’s. I made the transfer from gymnastics and field hockey to rugby, because of my speed and learning capacity. Ever since then, I’ve been in love with the game.
What are the three reasons you like being part of a team sport?
- You work with each other, for each other.
- You’re never by yourself on or off the field.
- It is just a group of friends with whom you play the best game.
What are you most excited about being a UNE Lion?
I really wanted to play AON Series this year. I know Inge (UNE Lions Head Coach) from the Netherlands so I contacted her and so I ended up with the Lions. I’ve got to know the girls I’m so happy to be playing with them. They’re a great bunch and I think we can make something of the AON Series. Oh, and not to forget that a Lion is also associated with the Netherlands. 🦁😛
What is the best part about competing for UNE?
We are the only regional team! This means we don’t get to train together every week, but we have training camps and do our training with some smaller groups of the team – these meetups are great.
In the end, we all give everything for the team to get ourselves at our best.
What does training look like for you?
We all give it 100% at training – it helps everyone improve. But it all still has to be fun as well.
Where are you based and how do you find it?
At the moment, I live in Avoca, I really like living here, all the people are great and very friendly.
What’s your favourite thing about living in Australia so far?
I like the laid-back mindset. Everyone is relaxed and also very kind. Everyone has been so nice to me and especially welcoming me as part of the team.
What keeps you inspired?
I get inspired when I can see myself improving. I get even more motivation to get even better. When there is something new to learn, like a new move or new position – I want to be good at it as soon as possible. Also, looking up to sports-people like Portia Woodman.
What advice can you give a young girl who would like to play Rugby like you?
Always keep on going for the things you want to achieve. You might not be there today, but you’re already a step closer than you were yesterday.
What do health and wellbeing mean to you?
Good health and wellbeing are essential for everyone to perform their best. You can be a great rugby player, but if you’re not healthy or things are not going the way they supposed to be with your wellbeing, you’ll never be able to give the best that is inside you.
Quick Facts about Kika
- I’m happiest when I’m playing rugby
- self-improvement keeps me motivated
- My guilty pleasure is Temptation Island 😆
- The best life advice I’ve ever received has to be “Always look up and keep on going for your goals”
- When I’m playing rugby the positions I play are wing, hooker or outside prop
If you’d like to follow Kika on her international journey you can keep up to date with events and updates on the UNE Lions page or follow her on
Instagram: @KikaMulling
Facebook: Kika Mulling
As always, a big shout out goes to the team at SportUNE who keep the Lions team kicking on!
