As promised, the SRU has announced the award of a large number of professional contracts. This first tranche of 28 runs for a year to November 2023 (see full list below).
The good news is already there; the SRU is fulfilling its part in its Women’s and Girls’ Strategy. It is essentially long-term: to boost Scotland’s chances at future Six Nations, thereby improving their standing in the new world-wide WXV championship; finally to return better results from coming World Cups.
Jim Mallender, the former England back and now Director of High Performance with the SRU, has outlined the prospects. In his statement we can see both the great advances in prospect and the obstacles that lie in wait.
Home-grown
Players will be supported in their home clubs – fine. But where are those clubs? For the vast majority they are in England. It’s a relief to see on the list one or two names of young players still based in Scotland, but it means that the support given will come largely from English sources, unless the SRU is able to send specialists to those southern clubs on a regular basis, which seems unlikely.
Mallinder mentions the need to establish a sound league structure on home territory. That surely is one of the most essential developments. His wording is less direct than mine. He says: ‘The next step will look at how we can create a sustainable and competitive playing environment in Scotland.’
Scotland already has its own dedicated league, the Tennent’s Women’s Premiership, but it would need a huge boost to entice players away from clubs like Loughborough Lightning and Harlequins.
That is the battle facing Ireland and Wales too. Somehow all three unions must find the means to create structures at home that rid them of the unsightly dependence on England.
Sevens v Fifteens – not again!
Equally important, Mallinder reveals there are ongoing talks with GB Sevens about the possible availability of players for internationals. The three Scottish test players who signed up for Sevens are Rhona Lloyd, Lisa Thomson and Shona Campbell. But releasing them from 7s sessions would involve much more than turning up on match-day. That is a tough nut that has still to be cracked. The GB 7s authorities won’t want to risk losing players back to 15s because they need to place a complete ban on 15s involvement. Jaz Joyce has already expressed her heartache at leaving her 15s team-mates.
The tussle continues.
Money = Numbers
The SRU doesn’t have money to burn, so the total of 28 was carefully calculated. The split between forwards (17) and backs (11) has its significance. If and when the pro-squad can meet up for practice, there would be two full packs on show; not so the backs. That’s where the 7s conflict comes in. If the three GB 7s players were allowed to take part, that would add up to precisely two back lines.
This was a strategy the English management used. Large groups of over 40 meant there was always ample opposition in any given sector of the field for realistic practice. I recall five years ago seeing three line-outs taking place simultaneously side-by-side. If Bryan Easson was left with his eleven contracted backs, he would have to use other resources to overcome the shortage.
On Balance
This is a huge moment for women’s rugby in Scotland. The players are thrilled. It’s hard to spot any leading player who has turned down the chance to turn pro. That was always a concern I had as players surveyed their options: a full-time exposure to rugby at the expense of my career? Yes!
The 28 Contracted Players
Forwards (17)
Leah Bartlett, Christine Belisle, Sarah Bonar, Elliann Clarke, Lisa Cockburn, Evie Gallagher, Jade Konkel-Roberts, Rachel Malcolm, Elis Martin, Rachel McLachlan, Louise McMillan, Lyndsay O’Donnell, Lana Skeldon, Jodie Rettie, Emma Wassell, Molly Wright, Anne Young
Backs (11)
Coreen Grant, Sarah Law, Caity Mattinson, Jenny Maxwell, Mairi McDonald, Liz Musgrove, Helen Nelson, Emma Orr, Chloe Rollie, Meryl Smith, Evie Wills
