All the expansion going on throughout the various codes of football is detested by some and held as hope by others. These are all very risky endeavors, with usually close competitions trying to protect their kingdoms and attack each others.
But there is one expansion route that the football codes still aren’t taking seriously enough – and it’s paved with gold.
That is the women’s game.
Football has done quite well at promoting the game to the fairer sex, but that is mostly on the basis of traditional offerings. However, Rugby League and Rugby have failed to capitalise on a fairly captive market. I see a market here, above anything else, for Rugby Sevens to take hold of.
Certainly the fast-paced action, quick games and lesser physicality would appeal to some young women out there, and could be pushed in schools.
A gateway into schools may be into the private system, but it can go way beyond that. There is already a good development stream for the women’s game, with our national team being world champions. But think what that team, in the future, could achieve with a greater width of talent playing at school age levels. This would in fact push for greater coverage of the women’s game in Australia.
Some direct gateways could be for school girls who play water polo in the summer. The physical level of each game is similar, and the muscles trained would correspond, as well as the fitness levels. This may sound far-fetched but water polo is in fact water rugby, originating from the game in its early development.
So, there is room for development here, and the targeting of woman is the next step for rugby with only 1,660 female players registered, according to statistics.
This is where the ARU should take a chance, especially with the momentum of the Olympic movement.
JL
Guest
I have a 22 year old daughter who represented NSW schools in rugby and Australia in water polo. Loved both but rugby had to give way when she concentrated on her water polo career. Women's rugby is already in place in the state schools system.
Bruce Ross
Guest
bennalong said: "Let’s get real !When they’ve put their all into getting rugby into state primary schools,( boys and girls can play), then and only then should money go where crowds won’t. Rugby is a full on contact game and suited to only a small percentage of women. Sorry. I don’t begrudge the girls a go but the promotional dollars aren’t there to throw around. Get the hearts of the kids first. 95% will be boys!" Let's also get real about the fact that the chances of "getting rugby into state primary schools" is somewhat south of zero. The overwhelmingly majority of primary school teachers are women, and the days when teachers willingly took on sports coaching as an extra voluntary duty are long gone. Plus rugby is perceived as a violent game and we have become a very litigious society. The way to build juniors is top down rather than bottom up. Very few girls' high schools are ever likely to take up rugby but over time clubs could form Under 18 teams stocked with kids who are looking for an alternative to netball, soccer, etc. But the first step is to get beyond single team clubs and add lower grades. Very grass roots but that is how men's rugby started out a century and a half ago. It doesn't take much money; it does take a lot of energy and commitment plus the involvement of males prepared to give up their time to assist the sport. And my advice to the women is to resist for as long as possible building a bureaucracy. Look what it does to men's rugby. On a positive note, I am quite confident that the women's rugby club with which I am associated will take a major step forward this year in terms of having ongoing experienced coaching support.
bennalong
Guest
Let's get real !When they've put their all into getting rugby into state primary schools,( boys and girls can play), then and only then should money go where crowds won't. Rugby is a full on contact game and suited to only a small percentage of women. Sorry. I don't begrudge the girls a go but the promotional dollars aren't there to throw around. Get the hearts of the kids first. 95% will be boys!
rugbyfuture
Roar Guru
the oriiginal title was different.
rugbyfuture
Roar Guru
as has been said by other people before, it seems most understand and only some can't understand things which arent literal, its a writing technique. a measure of a games profitability can be achieved through the development of the grassroots as has been proven by the AFL and ARL, if they managed to capture the female market, then in turn the amount of people that support the game would go up and become a more profitable code. as people say about rugby union, the top down method doesnt work, yet the afl is going into western sydney with that approach, the NRL went into melbourne with that approach, so in theory (economics) you could capture more people playing then you could equally get more support which equals more money. stop trying to justify idiotic and attacking statements by saying you didn't get it and nobody else would, thats just showing an inferiority complex.
Jimmy Nellis
Guest
Glad you caught my drift ballboy. As far as big crowds-they don't need them they'll play just because they love it and that's great. Development typically means investment and as far as paying back (other than a bit of pr)...that dog that just won't hunt. No expert but my guess is ARU ain't exactly rolling in it and probably have some bigger fish to fry. Perhaps hiring some goons 24/7 to make sure the contracted fellas don't steal stuff after a few or vomit in weird places but then I'm uptight like that ( :
ballboy
Guest
That's exactly right Jimmy. As much as I support women's rugby having coached and managed it for three years, the reality is that it just won't bring the crowds in. That's not to say it shouldn't be pushed through the club system. We used to play curtain raisers for the Ones at Syd Uni and the crowd loved it. But it is never going to attract the sort of crowds required for the ARU to throw a tonne of money at. That being said, I encourage all of you to get out and see the women play. They love the support and they can really play the game. I saw a NZ / Aust game late 90's. NZ wiped us of the park to the tune of 50-odd nil. their number 12 was dead set Frank Bunce in a skirt. She was electric. Can't remember her name.
Jimmy Nellis
Guest
Wasn't sure after reading this if it was tounge n' cheek but by seeing the responses.....I think not. Isn't the "needs" to develop- part a bit drastic though? Maybe "it would be a quaint idea" or "if the ARU is bored and looking for things to do they may...."
Travis
Guest
"i never specifically pointed out initial proffesionalism" - Well how else is a reader meant to take “But there is one expansion route that the football codes still aren’t taking seriously enough – and it’s paved with gold.”? Seriously RF -this happens too often with your stories and posts. You say one thing, but apparently mean something else.
AndyS
Guest
Not sure I'd agree with that, as many of the most enthusiastic fans of contact sports I've ever met have been female. I'd certainly agree wrt participation, but not support. On occassion I have even wondered whether the two go together, with the enthusiasm for the big hits directly linked to a lack of understanding/empathy for what it would have felt like.
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
Bruce, you are missing my point. Females as a rule don't tend to be big fans of physical contact sports. A female fan jumping up and down cheering at the boxing or league at a big hit is generally seen as a fruit loop not standard.
youqar
Guest
oohhh responded to a post I thought was for me.
youqar
Guest
Yes. I have lived in the UK for quite a number of years and many clubs run a ladies side. It is also gaining popularity at universities for women. I have coached a number of womens sides. Once taught the right technique they are fine and fantastic to coach. The only thing the seem to get worse than the men is bruises which can be pretty nasty but other than that I don't believe they get injured any more than the men.
MV Dave
Guest
WTF? Which part of my post are you questioning? The only conspiracy is planted in your head. Before you post it probably helps to read what you are supposedly questioning and the context it is written...that help.
Ian Noble
Guest
Womens rugby in the UK is one of the fastest growing female sports. The Womens WC is being held in England this year with the final at the Stoop. I anticipate that the normal top tier nations will be competitive, but if I recall there is at least one team from Africa (Uganda) in addition to a strong team from the 'States. I suspect the tournament will get pretty good attendances and judging from a recent Eng v NZ game, the rugby will fast and entertaining. By the way it was the first female rugby international shown on Sky and I think surprised many viewers with it's intensity and speed.
rugbyfuture
Roar Guru
i addressed that furthe rdown in the article, was more refferring to the other codes. sorry if i offended
rugbyfuture
Roar Guru
i never specifically pointed out initial proffesionalism, but at development of the game at grassroots. but if that does succedd then it can follow in the way of tennis, netball, swimming, hockey and waterpolo.
rugbyfuture
Roar Guru
whats wrong with pushing the strongest point of our game? (im sure league does the same thing)
rugbyfuture
Roar Guru
but at the same time attracting junior women and promoting the game would help build the numbers and generate good contact skills.
Sam D
Guest
Agree Bay, Leaguetag gets massive support within our local group competition here, popular with schools and women.