Rugby Australia has today announced that women’s youth development XVs matches will kick-off this weekend alongside the Buildcorp Super W competition.
With matches fully funded by Rugby Australia and the states investing in their respective programs, the competition opens new opportunities for the next generation of players to represent their state and gain further access to high-quality coaching.
Teams from Queensland, NSW, and the ACT will be the first to enter in this year’s competition, with Rugby Australia looking to expand to all states with a Super Rugby side in future years.
Rugby Australia General Manager Women’s Rugby Jilly Collins said: “Rugby Australia is incredibly proud to be able to launch these matches, which will provide yet more opportunities for young women to play the game at a higher level.
“The youth age group in particular is an emerging area of the women’s XVs game and has seen strong growth in recent years.
“Our investment into this area is crucial, as it will help develop players from a younger age. We see this as a key building block in the high performance XVs pathway through to Buildcorp Super W and the Buildcorp Wallaroos.”
Buildcorp Wallaroos head coach Jay Tregonning said: “A fully funded competition is the natural progression for the Women’s XV program.
“We have seen some fantastic young athletes emerge through the Buildcorp Super W competition and these matches will give our younger players another layer of development and support in their journey.
“Having this additional tier to the pathway will improve both the quality of Rugby throughout our states and the competitiveness of the Buildcorp Wallaroos.”
Fixtures
ACT & SNSW U18s v Waratahs U18s, Sunday 3 April, Viking Park, Canberra. Kick-off: 12:00pm
Waratahs U18s v Queensland U18s, Saturday 9 April, Eric Tweedale, Parramatta. Kick-off: 12:45pm
Queensland U18s v ACT & U18s, Saturday 23 April, TBC
