As part of the Wakatipu Junior Rugby Club’s girls open day, the Otago women plan to train and chat with any girls interested in getting involved with the sport.
Wakatipu junior club manager Emma Campbell said the session with the Spirit was all about getting girls into regular play and "a chance to learn a few tips and skills", or even just "meet some first class rugby players".
"There’s a really big push nationally for girls’ rugby and we’re just doing our bit — we want to see more girls come through our local clubs and communities, playing regular rugby."
While the open day targets school years 3-8, high school girls were also welcome, and it was hoped the day would show the sport was safe and there were pathways for progression.
"It’s for anyone who wants to come try it out ... and for those who are struggling to find their pathway into girl’s rugby, we can help," Campbell said.
The club, which offers Rippa and tackle grade rugby for youth, also hoped to get a girls’ competition up and running.
"I know that the high school numbers are starting to be good, so if we can really target that younger age, we’re hoping that it will generally feed older girls who go through, once they are in the game," Campbell said.
She acknowledged opportunities for girls to play rugby needed expanding, and the Otago Spirit was the perfect example of what can emerge when talent and passion for the game were fostered.
"Back in my day for rugby, we had Farah Palmer come into my school and that really piqued my interest in that sport ... so I think that having those role models is really key ... seeing that there is a pathway for them."
The Wakatipu women’s team will also be on the pitch tomorrow to answer any questions before showing the youngsters a game in action with a match against Albion’s women at 1.45pm.
The open day starts at 10.45am at the Queenstown Rec Ground.
By Lucy Wormald
