Women’s Rugby World Cup: Inequality vs. Dreams, the contrast on the field.

Women’s Rugby and the Harsh Post-World Cup Reality

After weeks of intense competition in the Women’s Rugby World Cup, Samoa’s captain, Sui Pauaraisa, was preparing to return home and reunite with her children. For many players, the tournament represents a parenthesis in their daily lives, a dream come true that contrasts with the reality that awaits them at the end. Pauaraisa, who during the tournament combined her role as captain with training and work on her team, longed for the embrace of her children. Returning home, after weeks away from her family, was her priority. Once in New Zealand, she would rejoin her work as a clinical administrator.

England and Samoa celebrating together after the match.The Women’s Rugby World Cup is a tournament that leaves a legacy, but also reveals the existing inequalities in this sport. The disparity between the “privileged” teams and those struggling for resources is evident. However, the hope is that this World Cup will drive significant changes and close the existing gap.

“I want to be someone they can look up to. I want them to grow up and be strong women, to be a kind of role model for them.”

Sui Pauaraisa

The reality for many players is tough. Some have had to take unpaid leave, others have resorted to loans and crowdfunding to get to the tournament. Despite the sacrifices, the goal is clear: to represent their country and inspire future generations. The differences in the players’ contracts are notable. While the 32 England players have full-time contracts and receive match fees, other teams like Samoa and Canada resorted to crowdfunding to be able to participate in the World Cup.

Samoa captain Sui Tauaua-Pauaraisa played in all three of her country’s matches.World Rugby funded the participation of the 16 teams in the World Cup and covered the costs of their stay. However, the key question is what happens after the tournament.

“Increasing the profile of women’s rugby in countries around the world and working with them to raise the profile is the first step in being able to increase investment and commercial support and unlock funding from governments, which is the focus for us in terms of financial sustainability over the next four years.”

Sally Horrox, Head of Women’s Rugby, World Rugby

For many players, the end of the group stage meant a return to reality. Samoa coach Mataafa Ramsey Tomokino and captain Pauaraisa expressed their excitement after the match against England, highlighting the joy of the three points obtained. Player Fa’asua Makisi shared how her mother supported her so she could participate in the tournament, taking on family responsibilities.

Canada faced a tough road to the World Cup despite being considered among the tournament favorites.Life after the World Cup means a return to their jobs for many players. 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 question that arises is what’s next for these players. For some, this World Cup could be the highlight of their careers. For others, who already have professional experience, nothing compares to the experience lived in this tournament.

“I think I will never have such a joyful experience through rugby again”.

Kanako Kobayashi, Japan player

For those in the final stages of their careers, the focus is on the legacy they will leave. Laura Delgado from Spain, who had to lie to her parents to pursue her dream in rugby, hopes to inspire future generations. Mataafa Ramsey, coach of Samoa, will take on a new role as general manager of high performance at the Samoa Rugby Union, with the aim of developing rugby in the Pacific region. In Brazil, the aim is to continue promoting women’s rugby in South America. Coach Emiliano Caffera hopes that Brazil will be the first country to lead the development of women’s rugby in the region, seeking more matches and support.

England’s greatest resources were evident when they demolished Samoa 92-3 at Franklin’s Gardens.Even for the players who continue in the tournament, uncertainty is a constant. Some Scotland players face doubt about whether they will have a contract after the World Cup. South Africa’s victory over Italy, which secured them a place in the quarter-finals, represents a historic moment for South African women’s rugby.

Laura Delgado has talked about lying to her parents to pursue her dreams in sports.For Babalwa Latsha, from South Africa, this World Cup is a turning point, a moment that illuminates a new path for women’s rugby. Ilona Maher, from the United States, will closely follow the tournament, hoping that the players reach new heights. As the tournament progresses and the final approaches, for the players of eight teams, the reality of everyday life awaits them. Fiji player Kolora Lomani emphasizes the importance of striving to achieve dreams. The Women’s Rugby World Cup has been a platform for mothers, office workers, teachers, tattoo artists, and firefighters, who have demonstrated their passion for the sport. New records and paths have been established, validating the dreams of many players.