The rise of women-only clubs in S America

As South America does not take part in XVs rugby, with no countries competing to qualify for the World Cup, from outside it can appear that there is not much happening. This cannot be any further from the truth. From Mexico all the way to Chile there is women??s rugby is just that is only played as 7s!

In my I mentioned that reluctance of some men??s clubs to embrace women??s sections. The response to this in several countries has been the rise of women-only clubs that have started without any men??s involvement or any existing rugby club in the area. Volunteer coaches have worked hard to get local communities involved and as result clubs have been established,

Examples of this clubs are as follows:

It speak volumes at the social changes that are quietly occurring and acceptance of women??s sports for these and other clubs to appear and thrive.

Why has this happened? Or how has this come about? Mostly because of the enthusiasm and persistence from people who love rugby - mainly ex-pats (men and women) who have chosen to live in these countries and have previously been involved in one form or another in women??s coaching. Loic Devaux, one of the coaches from Bolivia and one of the key architects in getting Rugby in La Paz and EL ALTO running, told me:

These reinforces my own understanding and perceptions. Growing up in Mexico I saw first-hand that there was a strong matriarchal society and that women lead in the communities.

The consensus among coaches across the different countries is that 7s is easier to coach and manage, in terms of numbers and (as mentioned in my first article) as there are no walkovers and everyone is involved and gets to play.

Two of these clubs they are being led by former local female players who have now become coaches - a welcome change from the pattern of mainly male-dominated coaching staff and a welcome sign of the growth of local coaches instead of foreigners. It also bodes well for the long run as, if they keep the community involved, the clubs can survive as a standalone clubs.

A case in point is IMIX Rugby, having been around for 5 years (est. 2009), and recently took part in the national championships in Mexico. They have several players the women??s national team and, from personal observation, seem to have have created strong roots.