The Canadian women’s rugby team, ranked second in the world, is facing a crucial challenge as they prepare for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England. Rugby Canada launched a crowdfunding campaign last month to raise funds for the women’s 15s team, aiming to support their training and development ahead of the tournament.
While the team has been performing at an elite level, with many players also competing on the sevens team that earned silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the 15s team needs additional resources to facilitate more time together for training, strategizing, and bonding. They are seeking access to mental performance coaching and other necessary resources to maximize their chances of winning the World Cup.
The decision to crowdfund has sparked debate, with some questioning why funding should not come from the national sporting organization (NSO). However, Rugby Canada’s CEO, Nathan Bombrys, explained that the federation found only $2.6 million of the necessary $3.6 million in their operating budget, leaving a shortfall. He acknowledged that even with this additional funding, the Canadian team would still be among the least-funded teams at the World Cup, despite being ranked second globally.
Rugby Canada’s efforts come after a challenging period for the women’s team, which in 2021 faced issues of psychological abuse and harassment. Since then, the team has overcome adversity and emerged as a force in global rugby. Coach Kevin Rouet outlined a comprehensive plan for the team’s World Cup preparation, which included fully-funded training camps and warm-up games, but additional funding remains crucial.
The rugby community has rallied behind the crowdfunding initiative, with players like Olivia Apps and Pamphinette Buisa emphasizing the importance of the support to ensure sufficient preparation for the World Cup. The women’s rugby community has responded with enthusiasm, sharing the campaign across clubs and supporting players who still face challenges, such as limited funding for accommodations during training camps.
While the crowdfunding solution may not address the deeper issues in Canadian sport, it has provided a vital lifeline for a talented team striving to make history on the world stage.
Source: Swifteradio.com
