Downs Rugby to introduce more ‘full sided’ women’s rugby games

It is already one of the fastest growing women’s sporting codes in the Darling Downs, but rugby union is set for another major expansion in 2023 giving more players the opportunity to shine.

Taleah Ackland for Bears and Jane Rowbotham for Roma. Picture: Nev Madsen.

RUGBY: Women’s rugby on the Darling Downs is set for a major expansion.

Downs Rugby is introducing more 15-a-side women’s rugby to its competition schedule in 2023 in a bid to provide more opportunities for new players to experience the game.

“Our senior and teenage female players have called for this and we’re meeting that demand,” Downs Rugby general manager Sally Johnston said.

“We’re introducing a short four round season this season (2023) which will run into our representative (15-a-side) pathway program for our teens and senior women.

“It gives the players an opportunity to play some 15-a-side rugby here on the Darling Downs before they go to South Queensland and Queensland Country trials.

“In the past they haven’t had that opportunity.”

Taylor Logan for Bears, Meg Jakins for Roma and Katie Bunker for Bears. Bears vs Roma Echidnas, Emilee Cherry Cup. Saturday, August 27, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

The continued growth and success of the Emilee Cherry Cup and school-based competitions have also contributed to the decision to introduce more “full rugby”.

Despite limited opportunities to play 15s in the region a number of Darling Downs players have shown they can compete with the best Queensland and Australia has to offer.

Former USQ Saints star Brianna Dascombe made her Super W debut for the Queensland Reds earlier this year and Downs stars Georgia Sim, Meg Jakins, Lily Black, Chloe Cocks and Jada Ferguson have been named in various Reds squads.

“Our rugby sevens program is amazing,” Johnston said.

“It has grown a lot and helped develop the our players to a point where they want to try 15s because a lot of them are suited to the game.

“We have the interest to make the jump and we also see it (15-a-side rugby) as a very inclusive version of the game.

“The 15-a-side game caters for a lot of different players and skills and we hope that will appeal to more potential players.”