Emu Park’s Sarah Field signs with French rugby league club

Mere hours after captaining and coaching her team to the Rockhampton Rugby League senior women’s premiership, Sarah Field has headed abroad for a new footy challenge.

Rockhampton Rugby League open women’s semi-final, Wallabys versus Emu Park, Browne Park, July 22, 2023.

Sarah Field had little time to revel in the celebrations after leading Emu Park to the Rockhampton Rugby League senior women’s premiership.

The day after the team’s 34-4 grand final win over Fitzroy/Gracemere, the champion five-eighth was winging her way to France to embark on the next stage of her footy career.

The 25-year-old has signed with Racing Club Lescure Arthes, which competes in the top tier of the French Rugby League Championship.

The team has started its pre-season and will play its first game on September 29.

Sarah Field is welcomed to France by Racing Club Lescure Arthes' women's coach Craig Taylor.

Sarah will be based in Albi in southern France and travel the country as part of the home and away season.

Dad Jason was instrumental in Sarah landing the contract, and said she was “super keen” for the opportunity after a successful season with her local club.

A two-time Indigenous All Stars representative, Sarah realised her childhood dream of playing for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NSW women’s premiership in 2020.

She then spent two years with the NQ Gold Stars in the BMD Premiership, winning the title with them in 2022.

Sarah took a step back from higher duties this season, assuming the role of captain/coach of the Emu Park women.

Emu Park captain/coach Sarah Field with the Rockhampton Rugby League senior women's premiership trophy. Photo: Leeann Booth

She relished the position, her experience proving invaluable as she helped guide the team to the minor premiership and ultimately, the title.

Field scored the first of the team’s six tries as they downed a talented Fitzroy/Gracemere outfit to claim their first premiership since 2017.

It was a double delight for the club and the Field family as the A-grade men, coached by Jason, won their maiden premiership with a stirring 28-12 win over reigning champions Yeppoon.

Jason said Sarah was fit and in good form and excited for this next challenge.

He was hopeful her move could potentially open the door for other Central Queensland players.

“Sarah wanted to explore opportunities to travel overseas so I put some feelers out and the French club came back with a contract,” he said.

“She’s really excited; it’s great for her to be exposed to a new country, new community and new competition.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if, at the back end of next season, we don’t see a few more players interested in doing the same thing.

“If we can create a partnership with the club over there, it could allow for men’s and women’s players for both countries to go either way.”

Originally published as Emu Park’s Sarah Field signs with French rugby league club