As reported by CNN, rugby is the fastest-growing team sport in the country, and women's rugby, specifically, is keeping pace. World Rugby estimates over 2.3 million women currently playing globally. Here in the U.S., women's participation in the sport has demonstrated "regular and sustainable growth" since 2006, according to the NCAA.
Kelly Madonna, Executive Director of Rugby Texas, attributes the nationwide boom to Title IX and the designation of rugby as an emerging sport on the NCAA's list of scholarship programs. She also notes that the sport offers young players benefits that extend far beyond the field. "Rugby is much more than just a game," she explains. "It provides community, family and a way to keep active."
Check out six reasons why rugby is great for girls–and maybe even your own daughter.
It Promotes Equality
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Jon Savage, a coach at the Plano Rugby Club in Plano, Texas, points out that the same rules of the game apply to both girls and boys. In fact, in his league, girls may compete alongside the boys up to a certain age (usually around eighth grade). "From an equality perspective, the girls are capable of anything their male counterparts can do," he says.
About the Author
Lisa Petty is a Senior Online Editor for ACTIVE.com. Her journey in journalism has spanned print, online and broadcast mediums. Here at ACTIVEkids, Lisa specializes in curating content for today’s on-the-go families, from healthy recipes to fun workouts to advice that makes life a little easier. Follow Lisa on Facebook and Instagram.
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