first model is holding women’s rugby back – Alice Soper
Alice Soper argues that New Zealand Rugby's focus on the financial sustainability of men's professional teams is sidelining the development of women's rugby. She contends that the current decision-making process lacks inclusivity and fails to account for the growth potential of the women's game.
Why it matters
The article addresses systemic gender inequality in sports governance and the long-term impact of financial prioritization.
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The Black Ferns in action against the England Red Roses last weekend. The two teams were the most bankable ticket sellers at last year's World Cup. Photo / Photosport
Last Thursday, the powerbrokers of rugby in New Zealand descended on Wellington to discuss the future of the men’s domestic competitions.
Three years on from the last review that revealed that two tiers of professional men’s rugby were not sustainable, another report laid plain the shocking fact – that two tiers of professional men’s rugby are not sustainable.
We all await the result of these discussions in December but tellingly, women’s rugby, once again, was missing from the agenda.
Three options were laid out as pathways for financial sustainability.
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