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History of Women's Rugby
Women began playing rugby in Australia in the late 1930's in rural NSW, and in Adelaide in 1995.
Throughout the years more than ten clubs have played in the South Australian competition. Women's teams welcome new players each year and are closely aligned with the men's and junior competitions.
While there is always a place for new players, more experienced players will have the opportunity to play rugby at a much higher level. South Australia has had representation in a number of national competitions and several Adelaide women have been selected to try out for the national squad known as the Wallaroos.
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State Representation
South Australia has sent women's state representative teams to national competitions in Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Sydney and Melbourne, achieving great success. The experience of representing the state is treasured by every woman who dons the jersey.
In 1997 the South Australian Rugby Union hosted a very successful national championship in Adelaide.
2009 National Women's Rugby Union Championships, Tallbudgera QLD
The Women’s State Representative Team, the Southern Warriors, competed at the National Championships in Tallbudgera, Queensland.
This is the first time since 2006 that the Southern Warriors have competed at the National Championships. The girls played extremely well against the Australian Services team but went down 12-10. The second match was against the tough NSW Development Team where SA lost 20 to 0. The team showed great improvement at these Championships and were commended by the Australian Rugby Union.
The 2009 Southern Warriors Women's State Representative Team consisted of:
Name |
Club |
Abby Chitty |
Port/Burnside |
Alice Kelly |
Old Collegians |
Allison Smith |
Port/Burnside |
Amanda Kennedy |
Southern Suburbs |
Aryn Perryman |
Southern Suburbs |
Catherine Arnfield |
Port/Burnside |
Charlotte Jorgensen |
Southern Suburbs |
Emma Yates |
Southern Suburbs |
Emily Collis |
Southern Suburbs |
Jessica Malone |
Port/Burnside |
Katie Reynolds |
Old Collegians |
Kat Van Diemen |
Port/Burnside |
Kim Evans |
Old Collegians |
Kris Locke |
Southern Suburbs |
Kristy Hume |
Old Collegians |
Lee Fata |
Port/Burnside |
Maryanne Longstaff |
Southern Suburbs |
Nadia Blake |
Old Collegians |
Rebecca Mann |
Southern Suburbs |
Rebecca Smith |
Port/Burnside |
Tara Naige |
Old Collegians |
Tania Thompson |
Port/Burnside |
Management |
|
Andrew Morgan |
Manager |
Jason Harding |
Head Coach |
Kate Denley |
Physio |
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National Representation
In 2006 Lito Fata became the first South Australian woman to represent Australia. Lito travelled with the Wallaroos to Canada to compete in the Women's World Cup.
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Tours and Trips
State and club teams travel around Australia to a range of competitions. A favourite is "The Hottest Sevens in the World" in Darwin. These tours give teams the opportunity to play against clubs from other parts of Australia and the world, as well as both local and international representative teams.
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Frequently asked questions
Rugby is a full contact sport - do you get hurt a lot?
You will get some bruise and scratches but rugby is not subject to any more serious injuries than most other contact sports.
How young/old do I need to be?
You need to be 18 years old to play, but if you are over 16 you may be able to be dispensated.
There is no upper age limit; we have a number of players in their 30's.
I've never played rugby, is it hard to learn?
No. If you can break into a jog and you can pass and catch a football at least half the time, you can play rugby.
Will I get coaching?
Yes. Each team has a qualified coach who knows how to teach you the skills.
Do I have to be fit and/or a 'big girl' to play rugby?
No. Fitness comes with training, like any sport. As for size, there is a spot on the field for evey size woman - that is the beauty of women's rugby!
Why would a girl want to play rugby?
Simply - it is the greatest game in the world. It is physical, fast and at times euphoric. You will make friends you will keep you whole life. Give it a go and you will never look back.
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Who plays rugby?
- Anyone from any background can play, rugby is a global game.
- Beginners are welcome.
- There is a position for women of all shapes and sizes (and there is no lycra!).