Gabby Logan suffers on-air scare after sudden 'abrupt' episode leaves her forgetting names
Rugby NewsFriday, 22 August 2025 at 19:11
Gabby Logan has opened up about the reality of ageing – and how it hit her harder than expected.
The BBC Sport presenter, fronting tonight’s coverage of the Women’s Rugby World Cup opener, admitted she felt a “seismic” change moving from her forties into her fifties.
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Now 52, Logan says she had to actively educate herself about perimenopause and menopause as she grew older.
“At first, I thought, ‘This is rubbish. I’m getting older suddenly’,” she revealed.
“It felt very abrupt. One minute I was fine, then suddenly I was sliding into this abyss of ageing I didn’t want to go into.”
Logan says learning about the ageing process was key to accepting it. She’s since made it her mission to spread awareness and help other women through the journey – comparing it to teaching a teenager about puberty.
“We’re lucky to live in a time when there’s so much information about hormones. It makes a huge difference,” she explained.
Still, the start of perimenopause felt completely foreign to her.
“I didn’t realise when I first started to experience the symptoms, [and] it was so alien to me to not be able to recall that I was starting to think, ‘Oh God, I just can’t remember stuff any more’,” Logan told The Telegraph.
“I was always so good at recall. I got through a law degree basically just by going, ‘Ah, page 32, Smith versus Cook’. I was always good with names, finding the right word at the right time, and I’d find myself umming a bit or using ‘very, very, very…’
“Then, when I realised it was a symptom of perimenopause, it was actually a relief, like it normally is when you realise something is part of a process and you can do something about it.”
To fight back, Logan turned to practical tools – writing notes by hand and testing her brain with memory challenges, like recalling six-digit numbers.all and fighting the temptation to use Google for information she already possesses.
EDITORS PICKS:
5 Women’s Rugby Stars You Need to Follow During the 2025 World Cup
As the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup unfolds, following these top players online is the ultimate way to experience the excitement, energy, and stories behind the game.
Here are the top 5 women’s rugby players you need to follow on social media this year, ranked from 5 to 1.
5. Hollie Aitchinson (England) – 57.3K Followers
Instagram: @hollieaitchinson | TikTok: @hollyaitchison_
Hollie Aitchinson combines elite rugby talent with a high-profile modeling career, including work for Victoria’s Secret.
Her Instagram captures training sessions, match-day prep, and stylish lifestyle content, while her TikTok shows her playful side off the pitch. Hollie’s mix of athleticism, charm, and modeling presence makes her a standout in both the rugby and fashion worlds.
4. Ellie Kildunne (England) – 104.6K Followers
Instagram: @elliekildunne | TikTok: @elliekildunne
England’s electric fullback, Ellie Kildunne, brings the same energy off the pitch as on it. Her Instagram reels showcase slick training sessions, match highlights, and creative moments with teammates.
On TikTok, she jumps into trends and shares behind-the-scenes glimpses, giving fans a closer look at life with the Red Roses squad. Ellie’s content balances professionalism and personality, making her a must-follow for fans who love flair both on and off the field.
3. Erica Jarrell-Searcy (USA) – 142K Followers
Instagram: @rick_jarrell.searcy | TikTok: @its_richarddd
Smart, driven, and engaging, Erica Jarrell-Searcy combines elite athleticism with academic achievement.
Her Instagram gives fans a peek into her life balancing professional rugby and her studies in Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard.
On TikTok, she shows a playful side, sharing fun clips with teammates and behind-the-scenes moments. Erica’s social presence is perfect for fans who appreciate authenticity, grit, and personality beyond the pitch.
2. Katelyn Vahaakolo (New Zealand) – 421K Followers
Instagram: @katelynvahaakolo | TikTok: @claryjeans
Katelyn Vahaakolo is making waves both in rugby league and union, but her social media presence sets her apart.
Her Instagram shares training routines, personal reflections, and cultural highlights, while her TikTok brings humour and lighthearted content into the mix.
With over 400K followers combined, Katelyn connects with fans through her honesty, charm, and vibrant personality.
1. Ilona Maher (USA) – 8.8M Followers
Instagram: @ilonamaher | TikTok: @ilonamaher
Ilona Maher is the undisputed queen of rugby social media. With over 8.8 million combined followers, she captures hearts with her playful, body-positive, and charismatic online presence.
From Tokyo 2021 to Paris 2024, Ilona has shared everything from locker room banter to emotional sideline moments. Fans love her unfiltered, hilarious, and inspiring content, making her a global ambassador for women’s rugby.
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