Arabella McKenzie said the Wallaroo were left behind and the Australian women's soccer team had become famous. Photo: @arabellamckenzie on Instagram
Australia's top women rugby players have issued a scathing critique of Rugby Australia, accusing the organization of favoring the men's team and claiming they have been lied to.
The players released a joint statement on social media in which they criticized the union for treating the women's team unfairly, citing the success of the Australian football team in fourth place at the Women's World Cup.
The coordinated action was partly sparked by an Instagram post by Rugby Australia that has since been taken down. It showed the male players' partners as they boarded a flight to France last week for the World Cup starting September 8.
«You told us to fly anything other than economy -class, too expensive. Then you flew Wallabies Business Class on a shorter journey than ours,» the players said in a pep talk. «The future of our games hangs in the balance.»
In a long list of grievances, women highlighted the significant disparity in coaching resources between them and their male counterparts, pointing out that Eddie Jones, who suffered four consecutive losses during his second spell at the helm of the Wallabies, would be taken on by a six-strong coaching team along with numerous backroom staff. to the World Cup next month in France. Women's trainer Jay Tregonning is currently working part-time, combining this job with another job as a physical education teacher.Ashley Marsters touched down for Australia against Scotland at last year's Women's Rugby World Cup. Credit: Getty Images/Niels Schipper
Rugby Australia's decision to hire rugby league star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalia on a £2.5m deal has also reportedly angered part-time women's team members who are still waiting. to be honored with full-time contracts as they approach the 2025 Women's World Cup in England and the home tournament four years later.
“You told us that full-time contracts are in the pipeline, that there isn't enough money to keep the men in the game. not to mention us, then you paid $5 million for an NRL player,” the players said in a statement.
“You said our program would go professional and our coach would be full-time. How many coaches did Eddie take for the World Cup?
“You keep saying we don't have enough resources and yet we've all seen the Wallabies go to the World Cup.
“We've seen the impact women's sport has had on the Australian sports landscape. Thank you Matildas.
«It's time for the Chairman, Board of Directors and CEO to prioritize the future of Australian women's rugby and allocate resources accordingly.
«It's time to recognize that we are not being promoted in the same way, even on a free platform. The future of our games hangs in the balance. It's your turn, Rugby Australia.»
Half-Australian Arabella McKenzie, one of the players who shared the statement, wrote on social media: «At a time when women's sport is shining in Australia, the reality for Wallaroos #yourmove is very different.»
A Rugby Australia spokesperson said, that the organization “will continue to engage the Wallaroos gaming group through the Rugby Union Players Association in all plans and developments regarding investment in women’s rugby.”
It added: “We are taking steps towards a fully professional future for Wallaroos and are investing more extensively in women's rugby in national and community competitions — and we know we have a way forward.»
«In line with Rugby Australia's commitment to include players on this journey, Rugby Australia will continue to meet elected Super W representatives from of each Super W team, the Women's Players Director of the Rugby Union Players Association and the Wallaroos leadership team to listen and work together to support our female athletes and their coaching and support teams.»
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