Girls' Rugby on the rise in Canterbury

Interest in girls’ rugby continues to rise, with girls' only sessions in hot demand around Canterbury.

100 girls' participated in the Secondary Schools Rip Rugby Festival at Burnside Park last Friday, while girls from as far away as Buller took part in an U11 Girls' only festival day on Sunday in Kaiapoi. Another 120 girls' took part in a girls only Have A Go Day in Rangiora yesterday.

“It’s been fantastic to see not only the interest in the game from girls' all over Canterbury, the support from parents and clubs has been really exciting too,” said Community Rugby Manager Fiona Smith.

Being adaptable and brave enough to try something new has been the key so far for Smith and her team, “Rugby has been around for a long time, so people have an idea of what it’s been, but if we want to attract more people to the game, we have to be adaptable and prepared to try new things, like times, formats, contact and non-contact.”

A new Monday night format is one adjustment Community Rugby team is looking forward to trialing this year, moving away from Saturdays, which has been the tradition for over 100 years, “We’re hoping this is a way that girls who choose to play multiple sports across the week can give rugby a go and see if it’s something they enjoy.”

Another format incorporates non-contact options, expanding on rippa grades that have typically finished at Under 8, as players transition to tackle. “These will be run alongside tackle, so if older players want to give rugby a go without tackling, then that’s perfectly fine,” said Smith.

Smith believes the support of clubs and other organizations such as the North Canterbury Sport and Rec Trust, Canterbury Primary Schools Sport and Selwyn Sports Trust will be the key to capitalizing on the interest in the game. “It’s really about working with clubs to be able to offer something that’s appropriate for as many people as possible. So far, the effort in this area has been wonderful and we greatly appreciate that.”