Japan's Rugby Journey Highlights Women's Sports Growth
- The Women's Olympic Rugby Sevens at Stade de France has seen attendance figures rivaling those of the men's competition.
- This highlights growing interest and support for women's rugby on an international stage.
- The momentum in the women’s game is significant and promising for the future.
Japan's women's rugby team faced a bittersweet conclusion to their Olympic campaign, finishing ninth after a surprising quarter-final loss to Canada. Despite the defeat, the tournament showcased a significant milestone for women's sports, with a record-breaking attendance of 66,000 fans at the stadium, surpassing the previous record of 58,498 set during the England vs. France match at Twickenham. This surge in support reflects the growing momentum for women's rugby and the broader landscape of women's sports. Players and officials expressed optimism about the future of women's rugby, emphasizing the importance of visibility and engagement. Waugh, a prominent figure in the sport, noted the equality of crowds at the venue, highlighting the progress rugby has made in attracting diverse audiences. The upcoming 15s World Cup in England next year is seen as a pivotal opportunity for women’s rugby to further establish its presence and showcase its quality to a wider audience. Australian players, particularly from the sevens team, have gained recognition that rivals their male counterparts, thanks to their impressive performances. However, the Wallaroos, Australia's women's 15s team, have faced challenges against top-tier teams, as evidenced by their heavy defeat to England in the 2021 World Cup quarter-finals. Looking ahead, Australia is set to host the 2029 Women’s World Cup and the 2027 Men’s edition, with hopes of leveraging the success of the women’s football World Cup to elevate the profile of rugby. Waugh emphasized the goal of attracting the country's best athletes to create a formidable team for the home tournament.