WRFU Confirm Changes to Women's Competition

Wellington Rugby confirms changes to the structure of the Women’s competition for 2023 following a vote by Clubs on Wednesday.  

Over the last five months, Wellington Rugby was challenged by Clubs to explore other competition format options to create medium to long term growth, as well as providing meaningful competitions based on the abilities of players and teams, while fostering a safe environment for participants of all ages and stages.  

Rugby Board Chairman Sunil Surujpal said “As part of this review, conversations were held, with Manawatu and other neighbouring unions, to explore a cross-boundary competition while this was not preferred for 2023, the option remains to explore this expansion again next year. There was robust discussion between WRFU and Clubs before the vote last night to ensure information was distributed and Clubs could have their voice heard.” 

WRFU Deputy Chair Catherine Rossiter-Stead was present at the recent forum to discuss the format options with Clubs, and heard directly from participants about what they want for the game. 

“There was a good debate about what the clubs wanted from the competition, and there was obvious agreement that players wanted to enjoy playing a good, but safe standard of rugby. It was clear from Clubs that they want the best for the game to ensure it keeps growing.  

“The Board asked WRFU Management and Clubs to be bold and to take a different approach. The region has so much untapped talent and we want to introduce the game to new players, whilst developing future homegrown members of the Pride, Poua and Black Ferns. We see this approach as the start of a multi-year journey in this space, alongside  Development Programmes that will further support the growth and the quality of female players in our game.” 

Clubs were presented with two format options, with the preferred option of creating a Premier Women’s and a ‘Senior Women’s grade. This was agreed by Clubs 11-1. 

As such, the Premier Women’s grade will be a grade in which teams will be required to field a 15-a-side teams week in, week out. The full Premier front row requirements will play under International scrum law to provide the appropriate stepping stone to the FPC. 

The Senior Women’s grade is for those clubs who do not regularly have the numbers to field full teams each week. The focus is more on the growth and development of the club and its players. The NZR Game On initiative will be applicable in this grade as the aim is to get players on the field playing competitive rugby each week.  

WRFU will work with Clubs to ensure they are in the appropriate grade for 2023. 

WRFU Community Liaison Officer, Michael Langley, added “We have spoken to other Provincial Unions who have already adopted this format and have had nothing but support and encouragement for them to leap into this format. There is evidence that this results in   a growth in participation and the level of ability in rugby.  

“Clubs are encouraged by the opportunity to field multiple teams going forward, as well as new teams to be able to take that step to the Premier Women’s grade. 

“We have taken a leap and learn approach with this change of format.  Support will be wrapped around clubs to support the growth and ensure they are entering teams in the right grades to start with .” 
 

Both grades will kick off on April 1st with the season draw published on Monday March 27th.