A BIG FOOTSTEP IN HISTORY

WOMEN’S RUGBY HAS EXPERIENCED STRONG GROWTH IN PLAYING NUMBERS, PROFILE AND FUNDING IN THE LAST DECADE. GREGOR PAUL LOOKS AT WHAT IS BEHIND THIS SURGE.

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The second decade of the new millennium began with the Black Ferns winning their fourth consecutive World Cup.

But just like all their previous triumphs on the world stage, it was barely acknowledged by the mainstream media who saw women’s rugby as a token add-on to the male game.

Women’s rugby had almost nothing behind it in 2010. There was hardly enough funding to get the Ferns to England for the World Cup and just about enough budget to ensure the players didn’t end up out of pocket for taking the time off work during the tournament.