Rule on move to England and World Cup influence on Australia

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Defender reflects on Albion career and her path to Brighton.

Olivia Jackson

2025-11-05T06:00+00:00

Charlie Rule previously played for Sydney FC. 📷 by Kyle Hemsley.

Charlie Rule has said she is in the perfect place to continue to grow as a footballer.

The defender was interviewed for our matchday programme, as we took on Manchester United. You can read the full programme here.

What started your love for football?

CR: My older brother Bailey played, so I wanted to play like him. He has been a big inspiration, always there for me. He wanted to be a professional footballer himself, so it feels like I am living the dream for both of us, which is cool. Bailey is a big part of my career and how I got here.

My mum (Jacinta) was a track athlete, and my dad (Greg) is a cyclist. Sport runs in the family; they know what it takes to be an athlete. They have always sacrificed so much for me. It is probably hard for them having me so far away from home, but they are definitely watching from afar.

Charlie Rule has been a regular in the Albion defence so far this campaign. 📷 by Kyle Hemsley.

What are the main differences between living in Brighton and Australia?

Definitely the weather, there is not as much sun! The football is just a different level over here; the league is amazing. Football is everything in this country, the fans are crazy about it and that drives you on that extra bit.

When I was playing in Australia, I was studying and had a job as well, so to come here and play full-time has been a big step. It is definitely something I have always wanted, and I am super grateful.

It is a beautiful country, and I had such an amazing childhood, but coming over here was that extra step. It was always a dream of mine to play in England, it feels like the home of football. I didn't know it would come this soon, when I was 19, but when I found out (Albion were interested), I was over the moon and couldn't say no.

The 2023 World Cup in Australia changed how the sport was viewed in the country. What was it like to witness that growth of the game?

I went to two games and then I moved over here, but it was a massive change for women's football in Australia. From watching in the crowd to joining the Matildas in camps after that tournament, it is crazy to see the amount of fans. To see how popular that team is now because of the tournament is similar to when England won the Euros and changed so much over here. It is getting a lot more popular, which is really exciting!

What is it like seeing so many Australians playing football in England in the WSL?

Charlie Rule joined Albion in 2023. 📷 by Kyle Hemsley.

It is nice to have fellow Australians in the WSL, a nice reminder of home. They are obviously the best players for Australia, so to be playing in the same league against them is a great challenge for me to keep pushing to try to get into that Australian team.

You missed much of last season with injury, how did you cope?

It was a long time not playing and the injury was tough, but I learnt a lot in that time. I have learnt to be grateful because of the period I had out, even in the good times. It is really important to look back and see how far I have come; it was maybe one of the lowest points in my career. So I am really enjoying playing and getting back to expressing myself on the pitch.

How are you finding playing as a centre-back this year?

I have not played as a centre-back until now, but I really like it. I don't mind where I play, but it has been a new challenge. I have learnt a lot from Dario (Vidosic), I am in the perfect place to learn how to play good football and the role of a centre-back from an experienced coach like him. I am really enjoying it and hopefully I can help us keep even more clean sheets.