Women’s 15s rugby getting small funding boost but still in shadow of sevens

FORMER women’s rugby sevens player Amy Turner has lamented the success of the short-form of the game, saying it’s drawn funds and attention from the traditional 15-a-side.

Turner is no longer part of the Australian Rugby Union’s sevens program and will be aiming for Wallaroos selection this year to head to Ireland for the World Cup in August.

But she said a lack of funding means the team’s preparation for the tournament will be less than ideal.

“They haven’t really given that much support to the 15s. We’re six months out now from the World Cup and I’m not sure when they’re going to have the next training camp,” Turner said.

“The nationals are in March. They want to prepare the girls for the World Cup but when they play at nationals they’re 20-minute halves, so it’s a 40-minute game. When we’re at the World Cup it’s an 80-minute game.

“It’s not the best preparation, if you ask me, but what can you do when you don’t have the funds there.”

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