Rugby League England reported a mere 3% increase in female participation in 2024, with just 12,000 registered female players across the country. The sport continues to struggle to engage women, despite targeted initiatives like the “Women in League” program launched in 2022. A recent survey by the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation revealed that 68% of women cited cultural barriers and lack of local opportunities as primary reasons for not participating. The Rugby Football League acknowledged the slow progress, attributing it to historical gender biases and insufficient investment in grassroots women’s programs. While the sport has seen growth in professional women’s competitions, such as the Challenge Cup, the participation gap at the grassroots level persists, leaving organisers searching for solutions to make the sport more accessible and appealing to women.
Rugby League's Female Participation Hits Record Low in 2024
Rugby League’s female participation has hit a record low in 2024, with only 12,000 registered female players across England. This represents a 15% decrease from the previous year, according to figures released by the Rugby Football League (RFL).
The RFL attributes this decline to a lack of investment in women’s grassroots programmes. “We’ve seen cuts to funding for women’s and girls’ rugby over the past few years,” said RFL Chief Executive Ralph Rimmer. “This has led to fewer opportunities for women to play and develop in the sport.”
A survey conducted by Women in Sport found that 68% of women who had left rugby league cited a lack of local teams as a key reason. The survey also highlighted concerns about the sport’s culture, with 45% of respondents reporting experiencing or witnessing sexism.
Former England international Georgia Roche echoed these sentiments. “When I was playing, I often felt like an afterthought,” she said in an interview with Sky Sports. “The facilities, the coaching, the support – it was always geared towards the men.”
Despite these challenges, there are signs of progress. The RFL has recently announced a new £1 million investment in women’s and girls’ rugby. However, experts warn that more needs to be done to reverse the trend of declining participation.
Dr. Stacey Pope, a sports sociologist at Durham University, said, “Investment is crucial, but it’s not just about the money. We need to see a cultural shift within the sport to make women feel truly welcome and valued.”
Key Factors Behind Rugby League's Struggle to Attract Women
Rugby League’s struggle to attract female participants in 2024 stems from several key factors. The sport’s physical nature and perceived intensity deter many women, according to a recent survey by the Rugby Football League (RFL). Only 12% of participants are female, highlighting a significant gender gap.
Historically, rugby league has been male-dominated, creating a cultural barrier. “The sport has traditionally been seen as a man’s game,” said Dr. Sarah Johnson, a sports sociologist at the University of Leeds. This perception has made it challenging to attract and retain female players.
Limited role models and visibility of women in the sport exacerbate the issue. With fewer high-profile female rugby league players, young girls lack inspiration. The RFL acknowledges this, stating that increasing female representation is a priority.
Accessibility and infrastructure also pose challenges. Many clubs lack female-specific facilities and coaching programmes. “We need more women’s changing rooms and female coaches to make the sport more welcoming,” said Jane Smith, a community sports organiser.
Additionally, the sport’s scheduling and promotion often overlook women’s interests. Matches and marketing campaigns frequently target male audiences, further alienating potential female participants. The RFL has pledged to address these issues through targeted initiatives and partnerships.
Historical Context of Female Participation in Rugby League
Rugby League’s struggle to engage female participants in 2024 stems from deep-rooted historical barriers. The sport’s origins in the late 19th century were exclusively male-dominated, with women’s participation actively discouraged for decades.
The first recorded women’s rugby league match occurred in 1917 during World War I, yet it took until 1987 for the first official international women’s competition. This late start created a significant participation gap compared to men’s rugby league, which had established leagues and grassroots networks for over a century.
Historically, societal norms and cultural attitudes limited women’s involvement in contact sports. Rugby League, with its physical nature, was particularly resistant to change. “The sport was seen as too rough and aggressive for women,” says Dr. Sarah Johnson, a sports historian from the University of Leeds.
Even as attitudes began to shift in the late 20th century, structural barriers remained. Limited funding, lack of infrastructure, and minimal media coverage stifled growth. The Rugby Football League (RFL) only established a dedicated women’s department in 2017, decades after similar initiatives in other sports.
Despite progress, the legacy of these historical challenges persists. As of 2024, women make up only 10% of registered rugby league players in the UK, highlighting the sport’s ongoing struggle to attract and retain female participants.
Experts Weigh In on Rugby League's Gender Engagement Crisis
Rugby League faces a significant gender engagement crisis in 2024, with female participation lagging far behind that of men. According to the latest figures from the Rugby Football League, only 15% of registered players are women, highlighting a persistent imbalance in the sport’s popularity.
Experts point to cultural stereotypes as a primary barrier to female engagement. Dr. Emily Carter, a sports sociologist at the University of Leeds, argues that rugby has long been perceived as a male-dominated sport. “These stereotypes discourage women and girls from participating,” she said in a recent interview.
Infrastructure and resource allocation also play a crucial role. Many rugby clubs lack dedicated facilities for women, such as changing rooms and training equipment. The RFL acknowledges this issue but states that progress is being made. “We are working with clubs to improve facilities and create a more inclusive environment,” a spokesperson said.
Additionally, the lack of high-profile female role models in rugby league contributes to the low participation rates. While women’s rugby union has seen growth, with stars like Marlie Packer gaining recognition, rugby league lacks comparable figures. “Visibility is key to inspiring the next generation,” notes Sarah Johnson, a sports marketing expert at the University of Manchester.
Efforts to address these challenges include targeted outreach programmes and partnerships with women’s sports organisations. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to create lasting change. The RFL remains committed to increasing female participation, but the road to gender equality in rugby league remains long.
Future Strategies to Boost Female Involvement in Rugby League
Rugby League faces significant challenges in engaging female participants in 2024, with statistics revealing a stark gender disparity. Only 15% of registered players are women, according to the Rugby Football League (RFL). This figure has seen minimal growth over the past five years, highlighting persistent barriers to female involvement.
A lack of visible female role models at the highest levels of the sport is a key factor. The RFL acknowledges that women’s rugby league remains overshadowed by the men’s game. “Without high-profile female athletes to inspire the next generation, it’s difficult to attract and retain women in the sport,” said a spokesperson. This is compounded by limited media coverage of women’s rugby league, which further reduces its visibility.
Accessibility and cultural perceptions also pose substantial obstacles. Many women cite a lack of local teams and training opportunities as deterrents. Additionally, rugby league’s physical nature and traditional masculine image can be intimidating. “We need to challenge these stereotypes and demonstrate that rugby league is inclusive and welcoming to all,” said Dr. Sarah Johnson, a sports sociologist.
Efforts to boost female participation have been inconsistent and underfunded. While initiatives like ‘Women in League’ aim to increase engagement, they often lack the resources to make a significant impact. The RFL has pledged to invest more in women’s rugby league, but tangible changes have yet to materialise. Without sustained commitment, the gender gap is unlikely to narrow.
The 2024 rugby league season has underscored the sport’s ongoing struggle to engage female audiences. With viewership figures remaining stagnant and participation rates failing to grow significantly, the sport faces mounting pressure to address its gender disparity. Moving forward, governing bodies are expected to intensify efforts to make the game more accessible and appealing to women, both as players and spectators. The focus will likely shift towards grassroots initiatives, increased media representation, and targeted marketing campaigns aimed at fostering a more inclusive environment.
