Most readers won't know that Canada recently achieved a major international rugby triumph, defeating Scotland 45-3 and Wales 25-3. These "classy Canadians" -- I'm quoting from Edinburgh's major quality paper, The Scotsman -- now rank fourth in the world at their demanding game. Nine players are associated with local clubs, which you'd think might make their accomplishments newsworthy. But they are invisible here for one reason. They are women. Mind you, these players are the kind of people who, when asked to post their life goals on the team website, respond not with "get myself a million-dollar contract to endorse Wee Willie Widget running shoes" but, simply, "live a long, healthy and happy life." Gee, what an idea for an athlete -- modesty.

es wird noch besser:

"I'm told that for the privilege of representing Canada with such formidable skill the women on the national rugby team had to cough up $3,000 each. Then there was a $2,000 fee to play on a U.S. tour. And a $1,000 fee to play for British Columbia. One coach told me about a father blessed -- maybe we should say cursed -- with a brilliant rugby-playing daughter. He had to dig into his pocket for $13,000 last year just so she could represent her country in international matches. This is a monumentally shameful state of affairs. Where on earth have the corporate sponsors and government funders parked their sense of social responsibility? No woman who dons Canada's colors to represent her country in a sanctioned international sporting event should be forced to pay for the privilege just because she's female. Canada's supposed to be a champion of women's rights, not an international billboard for misogynist discrimination."

wow! grosser artikel!

aus peru

Fiji form Women's Rugby Union (IRB.COM) Monday 12 November 2007

Fiji are out to emulate New Zealand and recent entrants Samoa on the women's scene

Women's rugby in the Oceania region has long been dominated by the Black Ferns of New Zealand but, a year after Samoa took part in the 2006 Women's Rugby World Cup, Fiji are now preparing to join the international ranks.

A new group of executives has been selected to steer a course for the women's game in Fiji.

The new Fiji Women's Rugby Union (FWRU) consist of journalist Vela Naucukidi (President), Fijiana playmaker Elaina McDonald (Secretary) and Veronika Talei (Treasurer).

First on the proposed FWRU list is a coaching clinic at the Peninsula Hotel and Albert Park, with the aim being to prepare a team to compete at international events leading to involvement in the biggest of all.

"Our aim is to take part in the Women's Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament in 2009," Naucukidi said.

"We don't have much time [to prepare to qualify]. We've organised two sevens tournaments, one this Saturday and one next month, and are inviting teams or any individuals who want to take part."