Bristol Bears co-captain Amber Reed called on fans to continue to tune in and turn up for women’s rugby ahead of SuperPWR weekend.
For the first time, all four Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby fixtures will be available to watch across TNT Sports, YouTube, and TikTok Sports over 2-3 March.
Reed hopes the weekend can help continue women’s rugby’s rapid growth by selling more tickets and getting in front of more eyes than ever before.
“It’s massive,” she said. “Selling the game and providing a platform where all the clubs are visible to everyone, will allow the next generation to find that local club and go down to watch their games.
“The growth of the women’s game both on the international and domestic level is there for everyone to see and more people are turning up to watch.
“It’s going to be pretty special. Our ultimate goal is to make the club game professional.
“The support for the players is growing, but I don’t think we’re at a level yet where we’re selling enough tickets or bringing in the audiences to be able to pay everyone. It would be incredible to sell out Twickenham for a World Cup final next year, which hopefully England are in.
“That would be a real sign of where the game is and where it’s headed. But to look back in 10-15 years and see youngsters coming through the clubs and being able to play professionally would be huge.”
After falling out of love with football in school, Reed turned to rugby which earned her selection for the England pathway, and she never looked back.
Ahead of SuperPWR weekend, players were asked to identify their own and their teammates’ ‘superpowers’.
The Red Rose reflected on the most important superpower of all – resilience. After hearing the prognosis that she would need to retire from rugby following a serious back injury, Reed insisted she had so much more to give to the sport.
“I didn’t want to take their advice,” she said. “I still felt like I had a lot to do in rugby both on and off the pitch and I wasn’t willing to give that up.”
“I’ve had many injuries along the way, but this one was a shock to the system. There’s been lots of ups and downs but when I’ve had low moments, I’ve just picked myself up and got on with it.
“There were a few tears when I got named back on the team sheet coming back in and although it took a lot of time and patience, I got there eventually.”
Reed also gave an honourable mention to Kate Tyler, Bristol Bears’ physiotherapist who helped her journey to recovery.
“I’ve always been well looked after at Bristol,” she added. “Kate’s superpower was picking me up throughout the years – advising me on my best options and always being there for me.”
With thanks to the PWR
