Rugby Australia to give women’s team part-time centralised contracts in move towards fully professional programme | Rugby Union News

The Australian women’s team will receive a centralized part-time contract from Rugby Australia ahead of hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2029; RA chairman Hamish McLennan: “This is just the beginning, but the future of women’s rugby in Australia looks very bright”

Australian PM Anthony Albanese, Sports Minister Anika Wells, Wallaroos head coach Jay Tregonning and members of the women’s rugby union team pose before the announcement.

The Australian women’s team will receive a centralized part-time contract from Rugby Australia for the 2023 season as the country transitions to a fully professional program ahead of hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2029.

Rugby Australia announced that more than A $ 2 million additional funding will be injected into the sport for the coming campaign with up to 35 players will be contracted centrally.

“Australia hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2029 provides a huge target for women’s rugby,” RA chairman Hamish McLennan said.

“We want the Wallaroos to win the World Cup at home, with a squad of professional heroes inspiring the next generation.

“Rugby Australia has made additional funding for women’s rugby this year and is pushing for investment and corporate support.

“This is just the beginning, but the future of women’s rugby in Australia looks very bright.”

Eddie Jones will be the adviser to the Australian women’s team

Newly appointed Wallabies coach Eddie Jones will advise the team, which lost in the quarter-finals of the World Cup last year, dominated by professional squads from England, France and New Zealand.

A parenting and pregnancy guidelines have also been agreed in principle, which will see contracted players continue to receive full pay for the year while on maternity leave.

The country’s Sevens team, which won gold at the Olympics in 2016 and is the Commonwealth Games champion, is full of professionals and its success will serve as a template for the 15-a-side version of the game.

“This is just the beginning,” said RA chief executive Andy Marinos.

“There is still a lot of work to be done, but this is the biggest investment we have ever made in women’s rugby.

“We are determined to continue growth in the coming year to ensure that our goals become a reality.”