Canada “concerned”about future of 15s

France win the Grand Slam at a packed stadium in Pau (thanks towww.sudouest.fr)

The 2014 Women’s Six Nations was one of the closest on record, with three teams entering the final weekend with a chance to lift the title. The games themselves were watched by more people than ever before, with a record ten of the fifteen games either live streamed or available as live TV broadcasts.

All of the Six Nations unions - with the exception of Wales - now broadcast or stream some or all of their home games. Every game played by Ireland and England was available to armchair spectators in one form or another, as were three of the games played by France and Italy.

Audiences for both broadcast and streamed games were reported to be good, and would have been better still but for contractual problems which prevented RTE in Ireland broadcasting any women’s games which clashed with U20 or men’s fixtures – a factor which match schedulers will hopefully take into account next year.

Crowds were also impressive, with all three of France’s home games attracting capacity or near capacity crowds – the game against England in particular establishing a new record for a paying attendance at a women’s international outside a World Cup Final. Ashbourne in Ireland was also packed for its games, while an estimated 6000 paid or stayed on to watch the 2013 champion’s first game at the Aviva, and an estimated 15000 took advantage of free entry at Twickenham for their game against England. Italy’s home games were also played in front of full stands, and interest in games in Wales and Scotland were high, despite their results.

In short, interest and enthusiasm for women’s test rugby in Europe is at record levels, especially when supported by increased the media coverage that was particularly noticeable in Ireland and France.

Even outside the Six Nations the desire of players at all levels to play fifteen-a-side test rugby remains high – as we have reported here in recent months from countries as diverse as Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland and Switzerland.

Yet, despite all of this good news, there is no doubt that concerns about the future of women’s test rugby persist, especially outside Europe. The number of test matches played between 2010 and 2013 was significantly lower than for the previous four year period, with the nation third in the world – Australia – playing no test matches at all (despite reports of New Zealand offering them fixtures). At least one regional tournament – the Caribbean championship – has disappeared from the fixture list, while even in Europe the quadrennial continental championship was competed for by only four teams, instead of up to 12 who have played in previous years.

Bids to host the next IRB Women’s World Cup have not yet been requested, unlike four years ago. Indeed there has not yet been any official confirmation about when the next tournament after France 2014 will take place which might be interesting as 2018 will be the year of the next Sevens World Cup and a clash could cause difficulties for nations who still use dual players.

The key reason for all this is, of course, the rise of sevens rugby, with funding in many countries be redirected – in some cases exclusively – in support of bids for medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics, or the 2020 Games in Tokyo.

As a result when the new General Manager of Rugby Operations at Rugby Canada, Mike Chu, met with the IRB recently he particularly seems to have sought out Sue Carty, the IRB’s Women’s Rugby manager. Speaking to Bryan Kelly of Canada’sIsland Sports Newshe said:

“I also met with Sue Carty to discuss the future of women’s 15s. There is concern that some countries will drop their 15s programs due to 7s being an Olympic Sport, and the funding pressures that come with that [in fact this has already happened in some countries].

“We are both strong advocates for women’s 15s, as we recognize that in a country like Canada, most of our 7s players originally come from the 15s game, and having strong programs in both forms of the game is mutually beneficial.

“Sue, with input from Canada, has developed a women’s 15s strategy that will be presented to the IRB Board this year.”

In the short term, however, Mike expressed confidence in Canada’s preparations and some excitement about their upcoming tour to New Zealand:

“This is Canada Women’s first tour to NZ since 1999 – and I remember watching the Black Ferns play Canada on that tour in Palmerston North, my hometown.  It was a win for the Black Ferns back then [Canada lost 73-0 to New Zealand – their worst ever defeat – but finished runners in a three team series that also included the USA] – but I will definitely be cheering on Canada this time!

“Australia and the Black Ferns will be tough opposition, as this will be everyone’s last hit-out before the WRWC in August.  Australia have not played any 15s in this World Cup cycle, but they always have good athletes and will put a strong team on the pitch, whilst NZ are always tough at home.  NZ also play Samoa, one of the teams in our pool at the WRWC, so it is a good chance to scope them.  Also, this is an amazing opportunity for our players and staff to be immersed in a rugby culture.  And NZ culture, as the team will be based in Bay of Plenty, and I know that Meg Howat is already working with contacts in NZ to undertake some experiential activities.  I know our players are excited for this tour, and I am sure we will perform very strongly.”

Before then, in April, Canada will take on the USA:

“It’s been three years since our women played a home test match, so this is a terrific series to bring to Langford and Shawnigan Lake School – two of our major supporters.  With both teams looking to build towards the WRWC, this is an important event to finalise selections and test game plans.

“I am really looking forward to this series, and to see how our players have improved since our France and England tour last year.  I know they have been working very hard on their fitness and skill development, so this will be a good marker of where we are at.”