UWA breaks new ground in women’s rugby, with Kinetic support
A grant from Kinetic’s Moving Communities Fund is helping the University of Western Australia (UWA) Rugby Club to transform the landscape of women’s rugby in Western Australia, creating pathways for female athletes while championing inclusion in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
After almost 100 years of men’s competition, the UWA Rugby Club is investing in expanding opportunities for women in rugby, with its senior women’s team competing in the state’s premier competition for the second year in a row.
UWA Rugby Club President, Zac de Graaf, is proud to see a women’s team representing the club alongside the men.
“The first time we had a women’s team was in the 1990s. But at that time rugby in Western Australia didn’t have the infrastructure to support a full women’s competition, so it didn’t last."
“Now we’re seeing a massive increase in female participation in the sport. That’s what led us to create, firstly, a community grade women’s team and now the premier grade team.”
Through Kinetic’s Moving Communities Fund, UWA Rugby Club has been able to improve the training equipment, facilities and coaching available to the women’s team.
“We haven't had the same amount of time or sponsorship behind the women's team that we have had with the men's team,” de Graaf said.
“Kinetic’s funding has gone a long way in improving the women’s resources.”
Sarah Ismail, Kinetic Executive General Manager (WA/SA/NT), is pleased to be partnering with UWA Rugby Club.
"Sport is a powerful connector in our communities, bringing people together and creating opportunities for everyone to participate, regardless of gender," she said.
"At Kinetic, we're passionate about breaking down barriers across all industries, and we're proud to support the UWA Rugby Club as they build pathways for women in a traditionally male-dominated sport.”
In only a few years the women’s team has already made their mark by helping to establish an annual Pride Round for the entire club – the only one of its kind in WA Rugby.
“This has been a concerted effort that started within the women's team and has expanded out to the men’s teams,” de Graaf said.
As a result, the Pride Round has been part of the fixture for the last three years at UWA Rugby Club and has contributed to the club being recognised within UWA sport as a leader in the LGBTQI+ community.
“We're really proud of that,” de Graaf said.
“It's definitely something that we'll continue not only this year, but into the future.”
The women’s team had their first home game of the season this weekend against Cottesloe Rugby Union at UWA Sports Park.
With the women’s team still new to the league, the season looks to be a challenging one.
“We are introducing new people to the game and so it can be quite tough to compete with some of the more established clubs. But our women’s team are really eager to learn and to play.”
For de Graaf, raising the profile of the women’s team is an important step to securing a strong future.
“So far we've attracted some sponsorship, and we'll continue that so that we can recruit some top-end talent."
“But right now we’re really happy with the progression of the culture that we've been able to build and maintain, and that's primarily our focus this year.”
Sarah Ismail is excited to see the club continue this work.
"Organisations like UWA Rugby Club that champion inclusion while developing talent are making a meaningful impact,” she said.
“We're delighted to be part of their journey through our Moving Communities Fund."
With a full season ahead, there’s plenty to look forward to as the women’s team continues to grow. A key date on the season calendar is this year’s Pride Round which will take place in June to coincide with Pride Month.
Kinetic is proud to partner with UWA Rugby Club as they further develop their women’s program and encourage inclusivity in the game. To learn more about Kinetic’s Moving Communities Fund visit wearekinetic.com/community.
Further enquiries
Loni Jeffs
Communications Specialist
loni.jeffs@wearekinetic.com