Paving the way for girls in rugby
Paving the way for girls in rugby
In 2021, a trailblazing Year 7 student by the name of Georgia put her hand up to play in the St Andrew’s Cathedral School Under 13s Rugby team. Given the high profile success of the Australian women’s rugby sevens team, this should not have come as a surprise. But to make this possible Director of Sport and Co-Curricular Education, Mr Ric van Wachem, needed the approval of the Independent Sporting Association (ISA).
By Amy Malpass Hahn
“Georgia had been playing rugby her whole life and, of course, we wanted to offer her the opportunity to play for St Andrew’s Cathedral School,” he said.
“Based on the rules set out through NSW and Rugby Australia, which made no mention of it being a boys’ only sport, we made the case to the ISA and were able to go ahead.”
With Georgia playing for the team in 2021, she and St Andrew’s Cathedral School paved the way for future female students and competitor schools alike. This past year, St Andrew’s Cathedral School was delighted to have four girls playing rugby for our competitive teams, which we trust will only continue to grow.
“I really wanted to try something new, so I just signed up for rugby when I saw it was an option,” Elyssa said. “My favourite part is the sportsmanship, which is just amazing.”
Three students in Year 7 – Olivia, Flora and Hania – are members of this year’s Under 13s, with Elyssa playing for the Under 15s. Elyssa particularly impressed the coaches, having never played before, but making the decision to try her hand in the game in the final year that’s possible for girls to play mixed rugby. Having been to the park with her father to practice and putting in time in the gym, she felt ready.
“I really wanted to try something new, so I just signed up for rugby when I saw it was an option,” Elyssa said. “My favourite part is the sportsmanship, which is just amazing. Being part of a rugby team, you get a deeper connection with everyone – even if you were not friends before – because you need to communicate and work together to score a try.
Now at the end of the season, Olivia has clearly enjoyed playing the game. “I really love rugby – it’s such a kind, supportive and lovely team,” she said. She is also keen to encourage other girls to play, with the hope of an all-girls team in the future. “When I was in Year 5, I knew nothing about rugby, but I saw Georgia playing and I thought, ‘Hey, I’d like to do that!’” Olivia said. “It’s so easy to pick up the game and while it might seem scary at first, it’s really not. So, for any girls who are thinking about it, I’d say, go for it!”
Adding to the sentiment, Hania said “I’m so happy I joined. It’s so much fun and after we win the games, it’s such a joyful and happy experience. I’d love to see more girls playing.”
Coach Richard Butler said he is really proud of the girls for setting such a fantastic standard in the School and across the broader Association.
“I hope this is just the beginning,” he said. “Moving forward, we’re looking to put forward a rugby sevens team in the school summer sport programme, bringing together girls with similar passions from schools across the city.”
Congratulations to these remarkable athletes, and we look forward to seeing you all on the field!