Shattering the Glass Ceiling: Elevating Female Voices in the Rugby Community
As a seasoned rugby professional, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact that empowering women can have on the sport we love. Over the years, I’ve seen the tide slowly turning, as grassroots initiatives and strategic partnerships have paved the way for more women to step into coaching and leadership roles within the rugby community.
Grassroots Initiatives: Sparking Change from the Ground Up
One of the most inspiring developments in recent years has been the Grassroots to Global Series, a collaborative effort between World Rugby and ChildFund Rugby. This initiative is designed to accelerate the global development of women’s rugby, providing a powerful platform for emerging female leaders to drive social change and increase female participation both on and off the field.
Through a series of forums, 30-35 carefully selected women from rugby communities around the world come together to engage in “Leadership Journey Mapping.” This hands-on approach allows them to identify the key drivers and barriers they face in their rugby leadership journeys, empowering them to create action plans that address the unique challenges women often encounter in the sport.
The power of these forums lies in the connections they foster and the community they build. As Megan Knight, Deputy Director at ChildFund Rugby, aptly states, “By building a connected network of driven leaders across the women’s game, we’re creating the foundation for rugby’s more equitable future.”
Expanding Female Coaching Opportunities: A Crucial Step
One of the key findings from the previous Grassroots to Global series was that female coaches are a vital driver in increasing female participation in rugby. In response, the 2025 series has placed a strong emphasis on expanding female coaching opportunities at the community level.
To support this, ChildFund Rugby has partnered with Gallagher and its High Performance Academy (GHPA), a global development and leadership program that is enhancing the prominence of female coaches and increasing the competitiveness of the women’s game as we approach the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
“The most recent GHPA Masterclass was a collaboration with ChildFund to bring new opportunities to young women who were looking to expand their presence in training and in the game,” says Christopher Mead, Gallagher’s Chief Marketing Officer. “By providing a platform for female coaches to thrive, the GHPA is contributing to the advancement of women in rugby and setting the stage for a more diverse future in the sport on the international state and at the grassroots level.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Female Leaders
The impact of these grassroots initiatives is already being felt, as evidenced by the successes in Cambodia and Brazil. In Cambodia, the Grassroots to Global forums have led to the formation of the country’s first-ever women’s rugby clubs, while in Brazil, the sport is expanding into new regions that had previously been unfamiliar with it.
These achievements are a testament to the power of empowering women in rugby. As World Rugby Chief of Women’s Rugby, Sally Horrox, eloquently states, “To grow the game of rugby, we need more women in leadership roles both on and off the pitch. It’s great to have ChildFund Rugby and Gallagher onboard who share a common goal to recruit more girls and women into coaching from the grassroots community level right the way through to the elite end of the game, through training, coaching, and mentoring.”
Breaking Down Barriers and Fostering Inclusion
The Grassroots to Global forums and the GHPA masterclasses are not just about increasing the number of women in rugby; they’re about creating a more inclusive and equitable future for the sport. By addressing the financial, social, and institutional barriers that often hinder women’s involvement, these initiatives are paving the way for a more diverse and representative rugby community.
As a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges of being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. However, I’m encouraged by the progress I’ve witnessed in the sports industry, with more women taking on leadership and executive roles. This shift not only brings fresh perspectives and drives innovation, but it also creates more inclusive work environments that can better serve the needs of all participants.
The Road Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum
While the progress we’ve seen is undoubtedly encouraging, there is still work to be done. At Aberdeenshire RFC, we are committed to continuing our support for these grassroots initiatives and exploring new ways to empower women in our sport.
Through our partnership with Aberdeenshire RFC, we will be hosting our own series of workshops and mentorship programs aimed at developing the next generation of female coaches and leaders. By investing in our community and providing the necessary resources and support, we can ensure that the momentum built by these grassroots initiatives is sustained and amplified.
As we look towards the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup and beyond, I am confident that the transformative power of these grassroots programs will continue to shape the future of our sport. By empowering women, fostering inclusivity, and building a strong pipeline of female coaches and leaders, we can create a rugby landscape that truly reflects the diversity and vibrancy of our global community.
Conclusion: A Brighter Future for Women in Rugby
The Grassroots to Global Series and the Gallagher High Performance Academy are not just initiatives – they are movements that are redefining the landscape of women’s rugby. By addressing the systemic barriers and creating opportunities for female leaders to thrive, these programs are paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive future in our sport.
As a seasoned rugby professional, I am honored to be a part of this journey and to witness the incredible impact that these grassroots initiatives are having on communities around the world. Together, we can continue to empower women, inspire the next generation of leaders, and ensure that rugby becomes a true beacon of diversity and inclusivity.