Women’s rugby union players in 2023 continue to face significant barriers to building steady careers, with inconsistent contracts, limited financial support, and a lack of structured pathways from grassroots to professional levels. The sport, which has grown in popularity in recent years, still lags behind men’s rugby in terms of investment and infrastructure, particularly in England and Wales, where the majority of elite players are based.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) and the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) have made strides in increasing participation, with over 30,000 registered female players in England alone. However, only a fraction of these players receive full-time contracts. According to a 2023 report by the Women’s Sport Trust, just 16% of elite female rugby players in England and Wales are employed on full-time contracts, leaving many to balance part-time work with training and competition.
The lack of consistent pathways is further exacerbated by disparities in funding. The RFU allocated £5 million to women’s rugby in 2023, a modest increase from previous years but still a fraction of the £40 million invested in the men’s game. The WRU, meanwhile, has faced criticism for its limited financial commitment to the women’s game, with many players relying on sponsorships and crowdfunding to sustain their careers. Without a clear roadmap for progression, talented players often struggle to transition from amateur to professional levels, stifling the growth of the sport.
Women's Rugby Union Fails to Provide Steady Career Paths in 2023
Women’s rugby union in 2023 continues to struggle with providing steady career paths for players. Despite growing popularity, the sport lacks the financial stability and infrastructure to support professional careers for many athletes.
A significant factor is the disparity in funding between men’s and women’s rugby. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) allocated just 5% of its total investment to the women’s game in 2023. This limited funding restricts player wages, coaching resources, and development programmes.
Player wages remain a critical issue. Many women’s rugby players earn less than the living wage, forcing them to balance part-time jobs with training and matches. Sarah Hunter, England’s women’s rugby captain, highlighted the challenge: “It’s tough to dedicate yourself fully to the sport when you’re worrying about making ends meet.”
The lack of central contracts exacerbates the problem. While men’s rugby offers central contracts through the RFU, women’s rugby relies heavily on regional contracts. These contracts often provide minimal financial security and vary significantly in terms and conditions.
Injuries and career longevity are also concerns. Without consistent financial support, players face difficulties accessing rehabilitation and maintaining fitness. This impacts their ability to extend their careers and transition into coaching or administrative roles post-retirement.
The RFU has acknowledged the need for improvement. In a statement, the RFU pledged to increase investment in women’s rugby over the next five years. However, concrete plans and timelines remain unclear, leaving players in limbo.
Until significant changes occur, women’s rugby union will continue to face challenges in providing steady career paths. Players and advocates hope for swift action to address these issues and create a more sustainable future for the sport.
Lack of Sponsorship Hinders Women's Rugby Union Growth
Women’s rugby union faces significant hurdles in 2023, with a notable lack of sponsorship stifling growth and career stability. The sport struggles to attract major sponsors, limiting player opportunities and development.
According to World Rugby, only 17% of its global sponsorship revenue is allocated to women’s rugby. This disparity is evident in the lack of professional contracts. In England, for example, only 35 full-time professional contracts exist for women, compared to 500 for men.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) acknowledges the challenge. “We’re working to increase sponsorship and investment in women’s rugby,” said RFU CEO Bill Sweeney. “But progress is slower than we’d like.”
The situation is similar in other rugby nations. In France, the Fédération Française de Rugby (FFR) reports that women’s rugby receives just 5% of its total sponsorship income. This lack of funding hinders player development and retention.
The absence of sponsorship also affects grassroots participation. In New Zealand, the All Blacks Women’s team captain, Lesley McKenzie, highlights the issue. “Many talented young women drop out due to financial constraints,” she said in a 2023 interview. “They can’t afford to play at a high level without proper support.”
Industry experts point to the need for strategic partnerships. “Sponsors are looking for a return on investment,” says sports marketing analyst Jane Harper. “We need to demonstrate the growth potential and commercial viability of women’s rugby.”
Until significant sponsorship increases, women’s rugby union will continue to struggle. The lack of consistent pathways remains a major barrier to the sport’s growth and the players’ career prospects.
Women's Rugby Union Players Seek Stable Income Sources
Women’s rugby union players in 2023 continue to face significant challenges in securing stable income sources. Unlike their male counterparts, female players often juggle full-time jobs with training and matches, leading to physical and mental exhaustion.
The lack of consistent pathways in women’s rugby union stems from several factors. Firstly, the sport receives considerably less funding and sponsorship compared to men’s rugby. According to World Rugby, only 10% of the total investment in rugby goes to women’s rugby.
Secondly, the professionalisation of women’s rugby has been slow. While some countries have introduced semi-professional contracts, these are often short-term and do not provide long-term security. England’s Red Roses, for instance, have only recently started offering full-time contracts to a limited number of players.
Thirdly, the lack of visibility and media coverage further hinders the growth of women’s rugby. Fewer broadcasting deals and lower attendance figures at women’s matches contribute to the perception of the sport as less important.
Players have expressed their concerns about the current state of women’s rugby. “It’s tough to commit fully to rugby when you’re not sure if you’ll have a contract next season,” said one anonymous player from the USA. “Many of us have to make tough decisions about our careers.”
Despite these challenges, there are signs of progress. World Rugby has pledged to increase investment in women’s rugby, aiming to double the number of registered female players by 2025. However, players argue that more needs to be done to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sport.
Limited Opportunities Stunt Women's Rugby Union Development
Women’s rugby union faces significant challenges in providing steady career paths, with limited opportunities stunting its development. The lack of consistent pathways has been a persistent issue, hindering the growth and professionalisation of the sport.
The World Rugby Women’s XVs League, launched in 2023, was expected to provide more opportunities. However, the league only includes 12 core teams, leaving many players without regular competition. This limited structure fails to offer the consistent playing opportunities needed for professional growth.
National team players often face irregular playing schedules. Many are forced to balance part-time jobs with training, impacting their performance and longevity in the sport. England’s Sarah Hunter highlighted this issue, stating, “The lack of consistent playing opportunities makes it difficult for players to fully commit to rugby.”
Domestic leagues also struggle with financial instability. The Premier 15s in England, the top-tier women’s league, has seen clubs fold due to financial constraints. This instability trickles down, affecting player contracts and job security.
The lack of high-profile tournaments exacerbates the problem. Unlike men’s rugby, women’s rugby has fewer international tournaments, limiting exposure and earning potential. World Rugby’s investment in the Women’s Rugby World Cup is a step forward, but more needs to be done to create consistent opportunities.
Experts argue that increased investment and better governance are crucial. Without these, women’s rugby union will continue to lag behind its male counterpart. The sport’s future depends on creating sustainable pathways for players to thrive.
Professionalisation Lags in Women's Rugby Union
Women’s rugby union in 2023 continues to struggle with providing consistent career pathways for players. Despite growing participation and popularity, the professionalisation of the sport lags significantly behind its male counterpart.
A key factor is the lack of centralised contracts. In England, only 44 out of approximately 200 elite female players hold full-time central contracts, according to the Rugby Football Union (RFU). This leaves many players juggling part-time jobs or relying on other income sources to sustain their careers.
The pay gap remains a critical issue. The average salary for a female rugby player in England is around £20,000 per year, compared to £300,000 for male players. “The financial disparity is stark and hinders the ability of women to commit fully to the sport,” said Dr. Nicola Williams, a sports economist at the University of Sheffield.
Competition structures also contribute to the problem. The Women’s Premier 15s league in England, while a step forward, still lacks the financial backing and media coverage of the men’s Gallagher Premiership. This limits the visibility and commercial opportunities for female players.
Internationally, the situation varies but often mirrors these challenges. In France, for example, only a handful of clubs offer full-time contracts to female players. The French Rugby Federation has acknowledged the need for improvement but progress has been slow.
Experts point to the need for increased investment and strategic planning. “Without structured pathways and sustainable funding, women’s rugby will continue to struggle to retain and develop talent,” said Sarah Hunter, captain of the England women’s rugby team. Hunter’s comments highlight the urgent need for systemic change to ensure the long-term viability of women’s rugby union.
The lack of steady career paths in Women’s Rugby Union has left many players facing financial uncertainty. With the 2023 season highlighting the disparity between men’s and women’s professional opportunities, the sport’s governing bodies are under increasing pressure to address these challenges. While some players have secured contracts with regional teams, the majority continue to rely on part-time work or sponsorships to make ends meet. The situation underscores the need for greater investment and structural support to ensure the long-term sustainability of the women’s game. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, the hope is that increased visibility will translate into better opportunities for players.
