After the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup held in New Zealand, the buzz around the women’s game was growing every day. In 2022, there were 24,447 women and girls registered and playing rugby in New Zealand with a lot more volunteering in rugby. NZ Rugby have a ten-year strategy for girls and women’s rugby that hopes to engage all aspects of women’s rugby. 

The ten-year system strategy set by NZ Rugby is aimed at engaging women and girls in not only playing rugby but coaching, officiating, managing, governing and leading in a rugby environment. The five focus areas of the system strategy are Culture, System, Participation, Performance and Transitions. These five focus areas on creating an inclusive culture in rugby, a focused direction, growth in participation and pathways, sustainable performance outcomes for women and girls’ rugby and entry and retention in rugby through safe and supportive transitions.

To support this strategy Mid Canterbury rugby have introduced a women’s development program.  The aim of this is to grow women’s rugby in Mid Canterbury in a fun experience for everyone involved. The program was designed to provide skill development for four weeks and then form teams to compete in a 10’s format circuit over four more weeks. The teams that competed were Southern and Rakaia/Methven combined.

The skills seen in these women’s games increased from week one to week, showcasing a good level of rugby for everyone involved. Each team has picked up a couple of new players over the course of the four weeks which is a good sign for the future. Feedback from Clubs that hosted games said how exciting it was to see women running out on the field in their Club colours.

All the games have been played in a fun manner, with everyone just wanting to improve their skills and be involved in women’s rugby. 

Article added: Tuesday 30 May 2023