The End of an Era: Jade Konkel and Scottish Women’s Rugby
A six-minute conversation marked the end of Jade Konkel’s career with the Scottish rugby team, after 13 years of dedication. Konkel’s situation, and that of many other players, highlights the challenges facing women’s rugby in Scotland.
Of the 32 players called up for the World Cup, only 15 had contracts before the tournament began. Konkel was not among them. The decision not to renew her contract was based, according to the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU), on her performance. “That was interesting, as I was the player of the season at Harlequins,” Konkel commented with a bitter smile.
An hour after England ended Scotland’s World Cup aspirations, Konkel, a firefighter by profession and the first professional women’s rugby player in Scotland in 2016, knew that this would be her last match in the Scottish jersey. She decided to retire from international rugby after the World Cup, taking the reins of her farewell and avoiding being one of the many players whose international careers are cut short.Captain Rachel Malcolm, with her usual dedication, tried to put aside contractual disputes to focus on the game. However, the uncertainty about the future of the players, who even had to look for work during the tournament, was a constant.
This situation originated before the Six Nations, with delays in contract signings that, according to sources, were not a priority for the SRU. Although an agreement was attempted, only 15 players had contracts at the start of the World Cup. Figures like Konkel were left in a professional limbo, as was the technical staff.The long-term hope is that players will play in Scottish clubs. However, the exact format is not yet defined. Some players residing in England face the requirement to move to get a contract, which poses problems due to their part-time jobs and mortgages.
Bryan Easson, coach of the women’s team since 2020, announced his departure after the World Cup. Instability intensified with contract negotiations that dragged on without resolution. In June, it was reported that only 15 of the 38 players in the training camp had received contract offers, which affected their mental and emotional health.
Rhona Lloyd, who does have a contract, commented that more than half the team would not have a contract after the World Cup, which adds great pressure to the players. Malcolm, as a leader, tried to focus on the tournament, but the situation was complicated.In the field, Scotland performed well, defeating Wales and Fiji. Then, they played a brave match against Canada, before losing against England. After the match against England, Easson acknowledged that the team believed in the possibility of an upset, but their game was not the best. However, this match marked the end of an era.
Easson highlighted the importance of investing in future generations. Malcolm, who captained Scotland for the 53rd time, emphasized the need for the federation to listen to the players.
The players asked for support and respect. Konkel, in her final message, urged recognition of the effort and dedication involved in being part of the Scottish women’s rugby program.
