The Rugby Players’ Challenge: Between Passion and Reality
After weeks of intense competition in the Women’s Rugby World Cup, the players are preparing to return to their daily lives. Samoa’s captain, Sui Pauaraisa, shared her longing to embrace her children after a long time apart. This tournament, although full of emotion and achievements, reveals the inequalities faced by athletes in this sport.
Most of the players will return to their usual jobs. While training with Samoa, Pauaraisa kept in touch with her children, demonstrating the sacrifice involved in combining family life with high-performance sport. The farewell from the training camp is a bittersweet moment, marked by uncertainty about the future.Description: England and Samoa players celebrate together after the match.
The tournament has highlighted the disparities in the world of rugby. While some national teams have professional players and full-time contracts, others rely on financial support and part-time work. Teams like Samoa and Canada had to resort to crowdfunding to participate in the World Cup.Description: Samoa captain Sui Tauaua-Pauaraisa played in all three of her country’s matches.
“I want to be someone they can admire. I want them to grow up and be strong women, to be a role model for them.”
Sui Pauaraisa
The World Cup seeks to be a catalyst for change, promoting investment and support for women’s rugby. The hope is that this tournament will serve as a platform for the growth of the sport, closing existing gaps.
Many players, such as center Fa’asua Makisi, have had the support of their families to pursue their dreams. Determination and sacrifice are constants in the lives of these athletes, who seek to leave an inspiring legacy.Description: Canada faced a tough road to the World Cup despite being considered one of the tournament favorites.
For many, the World Cup is the highlight of their careers. Players from diverse professions, from tattoo artists to firefighters, demonstrate the diversity and commitment in women’s rugby. The question that arises is: What’s next?
Spain’s coach, Laura Delgado, highlights the importance of inspiring new generations and promoting rugby in her country. For Samoa, the goal is to take advantage of the new global calendar to boost the growth of the sport.Description: England’s resources became evident by defeating Samoa 92-3 at Franklin’s Gardens.
Brazil’s coach, Emiliano Caffera, seeks to boost women’s rugby in South America, with the aim of participating in the next World Cup. The tournament also raises uncertainties for the players, as in the case of Scotland, who do not know if they will have a contract after the World Cup.
South Africa’s victory over Italy (29-24) secured them a place in the quarter-finals, marking a historic moment for women’s rugby in the country. Babalwa Latsha, a South African player, highlights the importance of this moment and the path that opens up for the future.Description: Laura Delgado has talked about how she had to lie to her parents to pursue her dreams in this sport.
Ilona Maher, from the United States, will closely follow the tournament. The Women’s Rugby World Cup has set new records and created new opportunities. For the players, the goal is to keep fighting for their dreams and leave a lasting legacy in the sport.
