Women’s Survey: Players want clarity on future of 15’s Game

A comprehensive survey of elite women’s players has raised questions about the future of the international 15s game.

The study, carried out by International Rugby Players, is the most extensive in recent years with players from all top international teams* taking part. 

The majority of players (68%) believe the main focus for national unions is now on Rugby Sevens and over 75% say there are not enough 15-a-side games or tournaments.

Three-quarters of those surveyed also feel their unions are not doing enough to promote the women’s game.

International Rugby Players Welfare Manager Isaac Boss said: “It’s clear from the results that there is concern about how unions prioritise the 15s game.”

“The survey shows that due to the focus on Sevens, as well as Olympic funding and a lack of tournaments in certain regions, players feel the 15s game could suffer in the long term.

“Ultimately, unions need to tell players where their focus truly is. If they want to keep 15s programmes, then they have to increase investment and increase the amount of quality competition for players.”

New Zealand claimed the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup

One player said: “15s is an after-thought in my country. Sevens has priority and the domestic 15s game is not of a standard to develop players (for the international game).”

Notably, 85% of those receiving any remuneration for Rugby are participating in the Sevens version of the game and of the specialist 15s players, only 15% are receiving any income from the sport.

READ MORE: Who’s Playing the Women’s Game? 

Meanwhile, the vast majority of players (93%) welcomed the new Women’s Rugby World Cup format which features a knockout format for the 2021 edition along with more rest days.

The study, conducted in association with Rugby World magazine, also gives a comprehensive insight into the economic realities for players, their lifestyle choices, their views on the Sevens series and the mental and physical load associated with playing the game at the elite level.

*Teams surveyed included all teams on the Women’s Sevens Series along with teams participating in last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup.