Closing the Door on Scrumqueens

Back in 2009, after months of bemoaning the lack of coverage of the women’s game, I pressed a button and Scrumqueens.com went live.

At the time, the goal was simple: to shine a light on women’s rugby, tell the stories that weren’t being told, and provide coverage leading up to the 2010 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.

In just a few short years though, somewhat to the surprise of those of us involved, Scrumqueens became the go-to destination for news, insight, and analysis on the women’s game.

And, remarkably, after a handful of awards and 16 years of coverage, here we still are.

It has been an extraordinary journey.

Over the years, we’ve covered four World Cups, three Olympics, countless test matches, and international tournaments.

We’ve highlighted the players, coaches, and supporters who have so often been overlooked, and we’ve tackled the important issues of the day—from pay equity and professionalism to female athlete health and wellbeing.

I’m incredibly proud of the thousands of articles we’ve published, the debates we’ve sparked, and the initiatives we’ve been part of.

But perhaps what I’m most proud of is the quieter, behind-the-scenes work we’ve done: advocating for positive change in women’s rugby, standing up for those who have been unfairly treated, and using our platform to help create meaningful dialogue in a part of our sport that for so long was underfunded and undervalued.

Through John Birch’s tireless efforts, Scrumqueens was the first to publish women’s rugby test rankings, and his work to build comprehensive test databases has become an invaluable resource to the sport today.

It’s hard to imagine a world where this information isn’t readily available, but for so long, no one was paying attention to these details.

Scrumqueens was never just about articles and stats, though.

It was about telling the stories of the incredible players who have shaped the women’s game.

I have been privileged to share their journeys and amplify their voices.

I’ve also been able to discuss issues close to my heart, such as the state of the Irish women’s game and the disparities that still exist between the haves and have-nots across the global rugby landscape.

Looking back, it’s clear that we’ve seen remarkable progress in women’s rugby since we launched in 2009. Participation levels have surged, crowds have grown, and media exposure is leagues ahead of where it once was.

The sport has evolved, and so has the conversation around it.

That said, there are still challenges ahead: the balance between amateurism and professionalism at the top of the game, how to commercially maximise the elite level, and ensure that grassroots participation continues to grow.

But the fact that these are now topics of serious conversation speaks to the work done over the past decade and a half—and to the strength and resilience of the women’s rugby community.

So it’s with mixed emotions that we confirm the closure of Scrumqueens.

The landscape of women’s rugby is now so much richer and more diverse than it was when we started.

There are so many fantastic outlets covering the women’s game today, and it feels right for us to step back.

A website fuelled by volunteers can’t keep pace with the level of professional, full-time coverage that the sport deserves.

And that’s a good thing.

Though we’re closing the door on Scrumqueens, the site will remain live as an archive for anyone who wants to explore the game’s history.

It’s not just a resource for the past—it’s a testament to how far we’ve come, and how much more there is to do.

I have loved the opportunities running Scruqmueens has given me personally and it is no exaggeration to say that some of the best and most brilliant women I know, I have met through women’s rugby and some of my closest and most important friends are in my life because I hit live on a website 16 years ago.

I have been able to write a book (the first global history book on women’s rugby) engage in some brilliant debates, and though what goes on tour stays on tour, we’ve had some brilliant nights out along the way too.

A massive thanks obviously to all who have read and engaged with us over the years – but the biggest thanks goes to those who have written for us and those who have provided the support behind the scenes.

There are too many to mention but John Birch (whose reflections you can read here), you are a legend and a true ally and I hope we can ensure you continue to advocate and write in the game, and Sarah Edwards and your team at Make it Clear – the site wouldn’t function without you. I am so so grateful for all your encouragement and support.

As I move into my new role with England Rugby and continue my work with Women of Union, I’ll be stepping back from writing about women’s rugby for a while. But don’t worry—I won’t be going far.

I’ll be cheering on those who continue the work, and I hope to support them in any way I can.

My mission has always been to ensure the voices of the women who have shaped this game are heard and celebrated, and that will continue in whatever form it takes.

Thank you all for your support over the years.

Keep pushing forward. You are all brilliant, and the best is yet to come.

Over and out x