Women’s Rugby World Cup: Inequality and Dreams on the Field

The stark contrast after the Women’s Rugby World Cup: Between dream and reality

After weeks of intense competition in the Women’s Rugby World Cup, the players face an abrupt change as they return to their daily lives. The tournament, which has captivated fans, leaves a legacy of inspiration, but also highlights the existing inequalities in the sport. Samoa captain Sui Pauaraisa, who divided her time between training, leading her team, and housework, is now preparing to return to New Zealand and reunite with her children. For many, the World Cup represented the longest period away from their families.

“I can’t wait to see my children. I just want to hug and kiss them,” declared Pauaraisa.

Sui Pauaraisa

The return home for the Samoan players will mean the temporary separation of the team, without knowing when they will meet again. Pauaraisa, for her part, will return to her job as a clinical administrator in her hometown.

This World Cup reflects the disparities in the world of rugby. While some players enjoy full-time contracts and significant remuneration, others must resort to unpaid leave, loans, or crowdfunding to participate. This situation contrasts with that of teams like England, whose players have full-time contracts, compared to the reality of Samoa and other teams facing financial uncertainty.

The hope lies in this World Cup driving lasting change and serving as a platform for the growth of women’s rugby. The disparity in contracts is evident. While England players have full-time contracts and receive match fees, other teams like Wales, Ireland, and Scotland also have contracted players, although some of their contracts end at the end of the World Cup. New Zealand has 45 full-time contracts, while Australian players receive salaries supplemented by daily bonuses. In contrast, teams like Samoa and Canada had to resort to crowdfunding to participate in the tournament.

World Rugby has funded the participation of the 16 teams in the tournament and covers the costs of their stay. However, the big question is what happens after the championship ends.

“Increasing the visibility of women’s rugby around the world and working with them to raise their profile is the first step in being able to increase investment and commercial support and unlock funding from governments, which is our goal in terms of financial sustainability over the next four years,” said Sally Horrox, head of women’s rugby at World Rugby.

Sally Horrox

For many players, the end of the group stage was a reality check. Samoa coach Mataafa Ramsey Tomokino and captain Pauaraisa showed their emotion after the match against England, highlighting the joy for the three points achieved. Samoa’s player Fa’asua Makisi also shared her experience, highlighting her mother’s support and how this gave her the confidence to participate in the World Cup without worries.

After the euphoria of the World Cup, many players will return to their usual jobs. Sama Vergara from Brazil is a tattoo artist, Olivia DeMerchant from Canada is a firefighter, Manuqalo Komaitai works in the Irish Guard, Nomsai Mokwai from South Africa is an emergency care nurse, and Drenna Falaniko from Samoa is a roofer. The key question is what the future holds for them. For players without professional experience, this tournament could be the highlight of their careers. Even for those who have played professionally, nothing compares to the experience of this World Cup.

“I don’t think I’ll ever have such a joyful experience through rugby again,” said Japan’s Kanako Kobayashi.

Kanako Kobayashi

For players in the final phase of their careers, attention is focused on legacy and the post-rugby future.

“The goal we set is to leave a legacy by inspiring the youngest players and raising awareness of rugby in our country, where it is not very well known,” said Laura Delgado of Spain.

Laura Delgado

Mataafa Ramsey will take on a new role as high-performance general manager at the Samoa Rugby Union, hoping to boost rugby’s growth in the Pacific region. In Brazil, the goal is to continue promoting South American rugby. The Brazilian coach, Emiliano Caffera, aims for his country to be the first to lead women’s rugby in South America, seeking more matches and support.

For the players still in the tournament, uncertainty persists. The Scotland players, despite reaching the quarter-finals, face the possibility of not having a contract after the World Cup. However, their achievement could generate positive changes in their countries. South Africa, after their victory over Italy, has secured its place in the quarter-finals. This team, which was excluded from the 2017 World Cup by its own union due to poor results, now seeks to inspire and transform women’s rugby in their country.

“It feels like a watershed moment. We’ve been preparing for this for the last three or four years, many sacrifices have been made and many tears have been shed for South African women’s rugby,” said Babalwa Latsha.

Babalwa Latsha

Ilona Maher, from the United States, will closely follow the rest of the tournament, hoping that the players achieve new goals. The Women’s Rugby World Cup has left a significant impact. The players, from mothers to office workers, have demonstrated their passion and dedication. This tournament has set new records and opened new paths, validating the dreams of many.