• ‘This is a huge opportunity,’ says the coach, Simon Middleton
It has taken a while but, for richer or poorer, the Rugby Football Union has finally taken the plunge and made a long-term commitment to its top female players. If the announcement of 28 professional 15-a-side contracts is not a strictly ground-breaking development, the implications are sizeable.
Not for nothing did Simon Middleton, England’s head coach, describe the RFU’s move as revolutionary or his captain, Sarah Hunter, call it a huge day for all concerned, even though full-time deals already exist in sevens and were briefly introduced for XVs players before the 2017 World Cup, then subsequently withdrawn. This time RFU officials insist they are in for the long haul.
Written by Robert Kitson
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/jan/03/england-women-rugby-union-elite-player-contracts under the title “England Women hope ‘revolutionary’ contracts will drive World Cup charge”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
