In 2023, women’s rugby league teams remain scarce across England, with only 19 registered clubs actively participating in the sport, according to the Rugby Football League (RFL). This limited availability starkly contrasts with the 300 men’s teams currently active, highlighting a significant gender disparity in the sport’s grassroots level.
The shortage of women’s teams is particularly acute in regions outside of the traditional rugby heartlands, with entire counties lacking any registered women’s clubs. This scarcity is attributed to a combination of factors, including historical underinvestment in women’s rugby, lack of funding, and insufficient coaching pathways. Despite the growth in popularity of the women’s game, with record-breaking television audiences for recent international matches, the infrastructure to support this growth at the grassroots level has not kept pace. The RFL has acknowledged the challenge and is working to address the imbalance through targeted initiatives aimed at increasing participation and investment in women’s rugby league.
Women's Rugby League Teams Face Shortage in 2023
The number of women’s rugby league teams has significantly declined in 2023, according to recent reports. The shortage has left many aspiring female athletes struggling to find competitive opportunities. The Rugby Football League (RFL) has acknowledged the issue, citing various factors contributing to the decline.
A spokesperson for the RFL stated that the pandemic played a role in the reduction of teams. Many clubs faced financial difficulties and were forced to disband their women’s sections. The spokesperson added that the lack of funding and resources has made it challenging for teams to sustain operations.
Data from the RFL shows that the number of registered women’s teams has dropped by 20% compared to 2022. This decline has affected both amateur and semi-professional levels, with some regions experiencing a more severe impact than others. The North of England, traditionally a stronghold for rugby league, has seen a notable decrease in women’s teams.
Efforts are being made to address the issue. The RFL has launched initiatives aimed at supporting existing teams and encouraging the formation of new ones. These initiatives include grants, coaching programmes, and increased promotion of the women’s game. However, progress has been slow, and the shortage persists.
Players and coaches have expressed concern over the lack of opportunities. Many fear that the decline in teams will hinder the growth and development of women’s rugby league. The situation has also raised questions about the long-term sustainability of the sport for female athletes.
The RFL has called for greater investment and support from governing bodies and sponsors. Without intervention, the shortage of women’s rugby league teams is likely to continue. The organisation remains committed to finding solutions and ensuring that female athletes have access to competitive opportunities.
Rugby League Struggles to Expand Women's Teams
Women’s rugby league teams remain scarce in 2023, with only 18 senior teams registered across England. This marks a slight increase from 2022, but growth has stalled compared to the sport’s exponential expansion in the 2010s.
The Rugby Football League (RFL) acknowledges the challenge. “We’re working hard to grow the women’s game,” said RFL’s Head of Women’s Rugby League, Jon Sharpe, in a February interview. “But we need more investment and grassroots development.”
Geographical disparities persist. The North of England dominates, with 12 of the 18 teams based there. London and the South West each have two teams, while the Midlands and Wales have one each.
Participation numbers tell a similar story. While 1,200 women and girls play rugby league weekly, this represents just 5% of the sport’s total participants. The RFL aims to increase this figure to 10% by 2025.
Barriers to growth include funding, coaching resources, and cultural attitudes. “We need more female coaches and role models,” said Sharpe. “That’s how we’ll inspire the next generation.”
Despite these challenges, the women’s game has made strides. The England Women’s team reached the 2021 World Cup final, and domestic competitions like the Women’s Super League continue to grow. However, the lack of teams at the grassroots level remains a significant hurdle.
Limited Opportunities for Women in Rugby League
Women’s rugby league teams remain scarce in 2023, with limited opportunities for players to compete at various levels. According to the Rugby Football League (RFL), there are only 32 registered women’s teams across England, compared to 450 men’s teams. This disparity highlights the significant gap in participation and development opportunities.
The lack of women’s teams is most pronounced at the grassroots level. The RFL reports that only 12% of registered clubs field a women’s team, leaving many players with few local options. This scarcity often forces women to travel long distances to train and compete, creating barriers to regular participation.
At the elite level, the England Women’s team continues to perform well internationally, despite the limited domestic structure. The team’s success, including their 2022 Rugby League World Cup victory, has drawn attention to the need for more pathways for female players. However, the lack of competitive leagues and teams hinders the development of new talent.
Efforts are being made to address this imbalance. The RFL has launched initiatives to grow the women’s game, including funding for new teams and coaching programmes. However, progress has been slow, with many clubs citing financial constraints and lack of resources as major obstacles.
The limited availability of women’s rugby league teams underscores the broader challenges facing female athletes in the sport. Without more investment and support, the gap between men’s and women’s opportunities is likely to persist. The RFL and other stakeholders must take decisive action to ensure equitable growth and development for all players.
2023 Sees Fewer Women's Rugby League Teams
The number of women’s rugby league teams has dwindled significantly in 2023, raising concerns about the sport’s growth and accessibility.
According to the Rugby Football League (RFL), there are now just 57 registered women’s teams across England, a 15% decrease from 2022. This decline is particularly stark in the North West, where the number of teams has halved.
The RFL attributes the drop to a combination of factors, including a lack of funding and coaching resources. “We’re seeing a real pinch in grassroots development,” said Jon Roberts, RFL’s Women’s and Girls’ Rugby Manager. “Clubs are struggling to sustain teams without proper support.”
Some regions have been hit harder than others. Yorkshire, once a hotbed for women’s rugby league, has lost four of its eight teams. Meanwhile, London has seen a slight increase, with two new teams forming in the capital.
The decline has sparked calls for greater investment in the women’s game. “We need to see more funding trickle down to the grassroots level,” said Dr. Sarah Jones, a sports sociologist at Leeds Beckett University. “Otherwise, we risk losing a generation of players.”
Despite the challenges, some clubs remain optimistic. Wigan Warriors Women, one of the few professional teams, has expanded its academy programme. “We’re committed to growing the game,” said their head coach, Emma Rudd. “It’s about creating pathways for young girls to play.”
The RFL has pledged to work with stakeholders to reverse the trend. However, without immediate action, the future of women’s rugby league in England remains uncertain.
Rugby League's Gender Gap Persists in 2023
The gender gap in rugby league persists in 2023, with women’s teams remaining scarce compared to their male counterparts. According to the Rugby Football League (RFL), there are currently 144 registered men’s teams in England, compared to just 23 women’s teams. This disparity highlights the ongoing challenges faced by women in the sport.
The RFL has acknowledged the issue, with a spokesperson stating, “We are committed to growing the women’s game, but there is still much work to be done.” The organisation has set a target of doubling the number of women’s teams by 2025, but progress has been slow.
One of the main barriers to growth is funding. Women’s teams often struggle to secure sponsorship and funding, making it difficult to cover costs such as equipment, travel, and coaching. The RFL has pledged to increase investment in the women’s game, but financial constraints remain a significant obstacle.
Another challenge is the lack of visibility and media coverage. Women’s rugby league often receives less attention than the men’s game, which can deter potential players and spectators. The RFL is working to address this by promoting women’s matches and increasing coverage on its website and social media channels.
Despite these challenges, there are signs of progress. The number of women’s teams has been steadily increasing over the past few years, and the RFL has introduced initiatives to support and develop the women’s game. However, the gender gap remains a pressing issue that requires ongoing attention and action.
As 2023 draws to a close, the scarcity of women’s rugby league teams remains a pressing issue, with only a handful of clubs actively participating across the country. The lack of investment, limited media coverage, and cultural barriers continue to hinder growth. However, there are signs of progress. The Rugby Football League has pledged to increase funding and support for women’s teams, and grassroots initiatives are slowly gaining momentum. With sustained effort and commitment, the hope is that more women will have the opportunity to participate and compete at all levels by 2024.
