Is it time for a Women’s Lions team?

Is it time for a Women’s Lions team?

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Women’s rugby has come a long way over the last decade or so, despite women’s rugby union being around for over 100 years. By the turn of the millennium women’s rugby became a worldwide game that has been largely accepted by society, seeing a huge growth in the numbers of women taking part. In 2000 the women’s six nations became established and by 2006 the women’s rugby world cup had 6 teams that qualified including: New Zealand, England, Australia, France, USA and Canada. It has even been announced that women’s rugby will also make it to the 2016 Olympics. With all these advancements in the sport when can we expect to see a female lions team?

Why isn’t there a Lioness team?

Let’s face it, having a Women’s British and Irish Lions side would be a great boost for the sport. In 2012 the Women’s 6 Nations had the biggest viewing figures of any women’s rugby competition to date – imagine what the figures would be if the women’s team was in Australia at the same time as the men! It would help boost the name and prestige of women’s rugby and encourage more of the men’s rugby spectators to watch the women’s games. When stripped down to the absolute basics it becomes obvious that the true reason there isn’t a women’s Lions team is funding – if this could be achieved then surely a Lioness team would quickly follow.

Picking the teams

A lot of controversy surrounded the selection of the Men’s Lions squad this year as a large chunk of the players came from Wales. One of the fears with the women’s rugby team would be that a similar situation would arise with the England team being first selection. As it currently stands England was the only UK home team to qualify in the latest world cup and the reason is simply that their team is outstanding. Picking players from Ireland, Scotland and Wales would mean replacing England players who have earned their place in the Lions team, however there are several exceptional players that would have to be included.

Making their own tracks

The Lions tours are held ‘down under’ due to tradition, with a longstanding rivalry between the nations. This national feud is not held in the same respect in women’s rugby, so why not change the location? By having a Women’s British and Irish Lions tour across Europe you can still have the international tour with mixed nationality teams but at a much lower cost – European countries like the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden are all big in women’s rugby but have no place in the men’s game.

More media, better PR, advanced rugby

The biggest downfall of women’s rugby is that the level of sponsorship and media attention they attract is nowhere near the level of the men’s sport. With higher levels of media attention the sport would see a massive increase in sponsors, with increasingly popular brands advertising themselves on the women’s rugby shirts for larger scale promotion. Perhaps if the Women’s Rugby Union decided to invest in high level coverage of their matches and more promotion of attendance at the club level events then a Lioness team would shortly follow – after all, it is about time!

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ut the Author

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