Red Roses unveil wearable report on rugby gender awareness gap

England's Red Roses have introduced a groundbreaking 'wearable report' aimed at addressing the gender awareness gap in rugby. This initiative, designed by full-back Ellie Kildunne, incorporates insights from a Women’s Sports Trust report, highlighting the increasing audience for women's rugby while also pointing out the ongoing visibility issues. Despite the team's success, with six consecutive Women’s Six Nations titles, a significant portion of rugby fans remain unaware of the players. The collection, developed in collaboration with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and O2, consists of five garments that reflect key findings from the report. The goal is to enhance the sport's fanbase and boost attendance at matches. Kildunne expressed her desire to contribute to the growth of women's rugby both on and off the field, emphasizing the importance of creativity in promoting the sport. The visibility of women's rugby is on the rise, as evidenced by a peak audience of 1.9 million viewers for the grand slam decider against France. Ticket sales for the upcoming match against the Black Ferns have also seen a significant increase, with 36,000 tickets sold. This shift in audience engagement marks a notable change from earlier in the players' careers, as highlighted by scrum-half Natasha 'Mo' Hunt. The project represents a pivotal moment for women's rugby, showcasing a growing interest in the sport and a commitment to bridging the gender equality gap. With initiatives like this, the future of women's rugby looks promising, as it continues to cultivate its own audience and increase its visibility.