Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

New Year’s resolutions for Premiership Women’s Rugby

SALE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 16: Eti Haungatau of Sale Sharks breaks through the defence during the Allianz Premiership Women's Rugby match between Sale Sharks and Loughborough Lightning at Heywood Road on December 16, 2023 in Sale, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images for Sale Sharks)

Last week’s column, a festive look around the storylines and characters of Premiership Women’s Rugby, ended with the immortal words of Nineties gaming sensation, Bop It.

ADVERTISEMENT

‘Do it the same, but better’.

What we’re going for this week is a suggested amendment to that. It’s not quite as catchy, so you can see why Hasbro didn’t use it as their award-winning console’s pay-off, but it’s definitely worth pondering.

In 2024, the PWR needs to ‘do lots the same, but fight to make things even better – whilst also changing other bits.’ It’s clunky, but it’s accurate: in essence, the job’s not done yet – not at all.

In the light of a new year, as the mince pies dwindle and the pine needles start to tumble, here are a few ways you’d hope the competition pushes on in 2024…

More match action clips on socials! These – on every platform – have dropped off a cliff this season. Come on, IMG: let’s actually show people the product we’re growing – especially now there’s just one fixture shown per round, and it’s on a subscription-based channel.

On that note: the announcement of the new broadcast deal mentioned that discussions were ongoing about a supplementary free-to-air offering. That’s got to happen. The TNT coverage is truly something to be celebrated – it’s a huge improvement on the live-streams of recent years – but the real acceleration of this league will come when that’s combined with readily-available, cost-free coverage.

This is way above this column’s pay grade, but the EQP numbers don’t quite stack up right now, and that feels in need of addressing. EQP = England Qualified Player, and – at present – there must be at least 13 members of every match day squad who fit this description.

ADVERTISEMENT

For some clubs – particularly the more recently-formed ones – that’s a massive ask, and leaves teams forced to sideline their global stars, regardless of form or their contribution to the wider game in England.

The PWR is an English league, and it’s only right that young EQP talents are given opportunities to eventually become Red Roses – who are, in turn, at the heart of this world-beating product – but you don’t have to speak to many coaches before you hear of household names struggling for game time, and selectors tying themselves in knots to comply with this system.

Let’s improve attendances two-fold: both breaking records and raising averages. Saracens marketed the tinsel out of their Christmas Cracker up against Bristol – with bespoke content, cross-account promotion with the men’s team and their opponents, and a whole heap of work to spread the campaign far and wide. The result? Their second largest crowd ever.

Similarly, a near sell-out Twickenham was right royally entertained last week, as Harlequins smashed Big Game 15 out of the park – and encouraged 16,237 to enjoy at least part of the women’s fixture. ‘Most of them weren’t there for kick-off,’ I hear someone moan from the back. You’re right – plenty of them weren’t – but isn’t it terrific that a world record crowd experienced the PWR in some capacity..?

ADVERTISEMENT

And doesn’t it seem likely that they played their part in inspiring Amy Turner’s side to their grittiest performance of the season so far..? Treat yourself: take it as the win it was.

Those two are laudable peaks, but what needs to come next is not only outdoing them, but making sure that the games which aren’t colossal derbies or festive spectaculars are attracting better figures.

Across the board, we want to see numbers creeping up – round on round, season on season. My friend’s had an Arsenal Women season ticket for years, and remembers when – not all that long ago – crowds would max out at 3,000. This Christmas? They hit 59,042 for Chelsea’s trip to the Emirates. Rugby isn’t football, but that doesn’t mean we can’t expect progress – and dream big within that. 9,668 at Queensholm last year? Let’s fly past ten thousand in 2024.

If a suitable candidate can be found, the 2024/25 season should be contested by ten teams. No bye rounds: five competitive matches a weekend.

Speaking of competitiveness, it’d be fantastic to see two unprecedented things before the end of this campaign: a win for Leicester Tigers, and an away team finally triumphing in the semi-finals. Both would crank up the jeopardy, which is – of course – the holy grail of any league.

The standard of rugby is ever-improving in the PWR, and the gap between the table’s top and tail is narrowing. This season, whilst there feels a relatively preordained and unshakable top four, with five others battling it out beneath them – those two melees are compelling, and you’d not bet the Bounties rattling around that almost-finished tub of Celebrations on how the standings will look, come June.

Tigers and Trailfinders have looked to the manor born – much more competitive than either Wasps or DMP were able to prove last season – and they’re only going to get better.

I used to get excited when I’d write players’ honours alongside their names on team sheets and see six internationals in a pack. Now, I don’t bat an eyelid when 20 of the match day squad are capped – and the head-to-heads we enthuse about pre-game are the sort of titanic clashes you used to only see at World Cups.

Just look at how effortlessly athletes transition from club to country, and you’ve perfect proof of what rude health the level of competition is within the PWR. Maisy Allen, Delaney Burns, and Ella Wyrwas didn’t skip a beat last year on debut – because they’re playing Test match intensity stuff on a Saturday. In fact – they’re playing it on a Tuesday, too – because some of those squads are stacked enough that they’re training in a sea of world class players.

And, finally, anyone who considers themselves a supporter of the women’s game: make yourself heard and felt in 2024. Engage! Get involved however you can.

Read, watch, listen, learn, comment, attend, shout, sing, purchase, play, capture, and share the gospel. You have a crucial role to play in all of this: investment will come if the demand and potential is there, and that is in your hands.

Don’t let this be the year you merely dabble in the PWR: roll up your sleeves and commit to it with Marlie Packer energy and Neve Jones relish. Get stuck in.

As 2024 gets underway, we’ve never been in a better place – but we need to be restless within that, to ensure that the best is yet to come.

ADVERTISEMENT

Boks Office | Episode 37 | Six Nations Round 4 Review

Cape Town | Leg 2 | Day 2 | HSBC Challenger Series 2025 | Full Day Replay

Gloucester-Hartpury vs Bristol Bears | PWR 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 36 | Six Nations Round 3 Review

Why did Scotland's Finn Russell take the crucial kick from the wrong place? | Whistle Watch

England A vs Ireland A | Full Match Replay

Kubota Spears vs Shizuoka BlueRevs | JRLO 2024/2025 | Full Match Replay

Watch now: Lomu - The Lost Tapes

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

2 Comments
C
Chris929 436 days ago

ideal scenario would have been TNT pick the game of the weekend to show and 2 other games shown on the bbc iplayer/website as before. being accessible and visible is huge. this season its not. It is important that young english players are getting opportunities but equally its important the league is competitive. if the red roses squad are mostly at the top few clubs,how do the other clubs compete without signing top foreign talent? we dont want big scorelines. why punish teams for trying to compete?maybe the red roses squad should be divided more equally among the clubs if the rfu insist on EQP numbers?

P
Poorfour 436 days ago

For 2024, I’m very happy to see more non-EQPs in the squads and the coverage. Most of them are internationals in their own right, and many of them will be aiming to light upthe biggest stage at RWC 2025. The more we can build name recognition and get people interested in that, the greater the benefits for the women’s game as a whole - and by extension, all of rugby - will be

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

b
ballard marisol 30 minutes ago
Crusaders rookie earns 'other than Dupont' praise from All Blacks star

It all started when I was lured into investing by an FX trader I met on Instagram. The trader seemed professional and confident, sharing stories of massive returns from their investments. They promised that I could make five times that back within seven days by investing a certain amount. The offer was too good to pass up, and it was a golden opportunity to grow my money. After all, the trader had proof of their success and seemed trustworthy. I decided to invest, and over the next five weeks, I paid a total of $7,200 to the trader's company. Each time I tried to withdraw my funds or the supposed earnings I’d accumulated, they came up with new excuses and reasons why I needed to pay more money before I could access my earnings. They claimed I had to cover additional fees, taxes, or "security deposits" before processing my withdrawal. At first, I hesitated, but with every new claim, they made it seem like I had no other choice if I wanted to see my money again. It was a frustrating and confusing process, and each time I questioned them, they reassured me that I would get my money soon. Eventually, I realized I had been scammed. I was fed up and desperate, but I didn’t know what to do. That’s when, luckily, I stumbled upon a post from someone who had gone through a similar situation. They recommended a company called Tech Cyber Force Recovery, a group of crypto recovery experts who specialize in helping people recover lost funds from fraudulent investment schemes. At first, I was hesitant. After all, I’d already been deceived once, and I wasn’t sure if I could trust another company. However, I decided to take the risk and contacted Tech Cyber Force Recovery. I shared my transaction history and details with them, and within just seven hours, they asked for my wallet address. To my amazement, I received $6,300 back into my wallet. I can’t express how grateful I am to Tech Cyber Force Recovery for their help. They were professional, prompt, and thorough in their approach, and they truly helped me recover a significant portion of my lost money. If you find yourself in a similar situation, I highly recommend reaching out to recovery experts like Tech Cyber Force Recovery. They truly made a difference in my case, and I’m incredibly thankful for their support.You can reach out to Tech Cyber Force Recovery MAIL Techcybersforcerecovery@cyberservices.com

6 Go to comments
M
Mamakenzo 51 minutes ago
Player-led change gets thumbs up but jury out on selection: Andy Goode

Bring Back Ex Lover, Lost Love Spell Caster, Voodoo love spell in UK, Belfast, Lord Howe Island, Victoria, Sydney, Brisbane, Botswana , Alabama Are you looking for the best help? Have you been searching all over to find a professional and real African traditional herbalist/spell caster? If your answer to these questions is “YES”, then you have come to the right place! We are determined to offer exactly what you’re seeking: Fast and everlasting results! From love spells to money spells, we provide the most authentic spells you’ve ever encountered. I am an Expert Spell Caster, I have learned all my works from my ancestors and forefathers who were also into these religious areas. With spiritual help, ancestral powers and spiritual guidance we can cure an individual and carry beneficial efforts in his or her lifestyle. It is also possible to eliminate any kind of adverse power and to cure.Also if you have any kind of real query in your thoughts, you can always email me with all your concerns or issues and I will be directing you in the best way I can. https://www.specialspellz.com EX Back Spell This spell is for those of you that have lost your lover and can’t seem to find yourself moving on with life without them. My Ex Back Spell will return that person to you. My EX Back spell is my most popular spell and has helped many people win back the heart of their lover. Soul Mate Spell Are you tired of spending your life without love; every date that you go on you never seem to have that magical connection with any of them? You see other couples having a good time together but all you have to look forward to is the microwave meal waiting for you in the freezer. Everyone has a soul mate out there for them and I would strongly encourage you with my Soul Mate Spell so that the two of you can cross paths sooner. My Soul Mate Spell has opened a new life to many and it can do the same for you. Breakup and Come Back To Me Spell Have you lost your lover to another person and they are happy in the arms of another person but you still love them and want them back then you need to break up and come back to me spell. This spell is broken down into two spell castings, one being I have to vanish the new lover in your special person’s life and the second being I will have to cast a spell of guidance over them so they find their way back to your loving heart. Marriage Spell Are you waiting for your soul Mate to ask for your hand in marriage but they don’t seem to be seeing all the signs you are showing them. You just want them to see that there is a future with you in the long term. My Marriage spell will make them dream of a married life with you, this spell will give your lover the energy boost it needs to ask for your hand in marriage; just don’t forget to invite me as you see the results of this spell manifesting. All my spells are genuinely proven .No spell has ever failed to bring about the desired effects. Best spells ever from the best experienced spell caster. We help where others have failed. It's your chance to regain your happiness only through Mama Kenzo's Powerful and fast Spells. Check from my list below and point to your problem. However, even if your problem does not fall in the category below, don’t hesitate to email it to us, we shall venture into it and our experience will of course cut open your problem and solve it. • Relationship problem solution/husband wife problem solution/get back lost lover • Work related problems/get promoted at your work/win work hearing • Win bonds/Tenders/contracts/loans within 12 hours • Criminal matters/legal matters/court cases/divorce cases • Lottery wins/ lotto/horses/soccer big wins/ all gambling activates • Body cleansing/property cleansing/ business cleansing. • Business promotion/sales promotion/ customer attraction. • Unfinished jobs by other doctors/ Delayed jobs/ failed jobs. • Magic ring/ magic wallet/ magic stick for wealth and marriage. • Spells for getting married to the lover of your life. • Spells for love, victory and sympathy. • Fix broken marriage, relationships and finding a missing person. • Spells for getting job/employment/higher pay/job protection. • Spells for loan repayment/debts and financial problems. • Expert in destroying effects of black magic/evil witchcraft. • Getting rid of the effects of evil eyes/ evil spirits. • Fertility medicines/ impregnation of a woman/birth medicine. • Spells for release of a captive/prisoner in 12 hours. • Spells for fulfillment of any need within. Contact Prof Mama Kenzo +27734863310 VISIT: https://www.specialspellz.com EMAIL: Profmamakenzo10@gmail.com

7 Go to comments
A
Amelia Jonathan 4 hours ago
Don't get out over your skis on the Highlanders

My name is Amelia Jonathan from the United States, Using this opportunity to thank Dr. Ughulu is a grateful thing to me, for over years I have been sick with Hepatitis B disease, I have done a lot of things to get cured of my diseases and nothing has worked out. I have taken different types of medication for it , but it still doesn’t work for me. I still keep going for a check up so that the doctor will tell me my disease has be gone, because i’m taking my medicine with no result nothing has been cured, I have spent a lot of money just to get cure of Hepatitis B. until my old time friend came to my place and saw what am going through, and then direct me to contact Dr. Ughulu who is a very powerful man, which I did explain my problem to Dr. Ughulu and send me a herbal remedy bottle and explain to me how I should drink it. So I started to drink the herbal tea in one week that I drink the herbal tea. I went for a check up to check if I’m cured from Hepatitis B disease, then the nurse told me nothing is wrong with me anymore and said I’m fine. I am the happiest person right now. I promise Dr Ughulu I will testify about his good work on the internet. Reach out to Dr. Ughulu Via: drughulupowerfulspelltemple@gmail.com Thank you so much sir for what you did for me you’re the best of all. TEXT OR CALL: +1(252) 409-1841 or website: https://drughulupowerfulsp.wixsite.com/my-site-ughulu WHATSAPP NUMBER: +1(720) 794-2516

4 Go to comments
LONG READ
LONG READ Ben Curry is mounting a case to be the Lions Test super-sub Ben Curry is mounting a case to be the Lions Test super-sub
Search