Elevating Women’s Elite Rugby: The Emerging Pro Sports Phenomenon

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Women‘s elite Rugby Launches, Aiming to Revolutionize the Sport in the U.S.

After years of discussion,Women’s Elite Rugby (WER),a new professional rugby league,is set to kick off its inaugural season,marking a pivotal moment for the sport in the United States. The league aims to elevate the game, provide elite-level opportunities for athletes, and ultimately, bring top American talent back to U.S. soil.

Addressing a Critical Need

For years, American women rugby players faced a notable hurdle: the lack of a robust professional structure at home. WER seeks to change that. “I think we knew as leadership — and honestly, as someone who played in this country for a very long time — that this needed to be the next step if we wanted to compete on the world stage,” said Kittery Ruiz, assistant coach at Brown and head coach of the WER’s Boston Banshees. “We really need to have something in this country where our athletes are able to focus on honing their craft. We knew that this needed to happen, and that it was the only logical next step.” The league’s formation directly addresses the historical challenge of American players having to pursue professional opportunities abroad.

Inaugural Season and Teams

The inaugural season begins this weekend, with the Boston Banshees traveling to face the New York Exiles. The game will be available on the streaming platform DAZN, offering free access to fans. The league comprises six teams representing key markets across the country:

• Boston Banshees
• New York Exiles
• Bay Breakers
• Twin Cities Gemini
• Chicago Tempest
• Denver Onyx

This geographical distribution positions the league to tap into existing rugby communities and cultivate new fan bases across the nation, mirroring triumphant strategies employed by other emerging sports leagues in the U.S.

the “ignite the Change” Movement and League Formation

While the dream of women’s professional rugby in the United States has been brewing for decades, the formal planning gained momentum in 2022 with the launch of the “Ignite the Change” campaign.A WPL external advising board was afterward formed, holding its first meeting in April 2023. A year later, almost to the day, the creation of WER was announced. This timeline highlights the deliberate and strategic approach taken to establish a lasting and impactful league.

Addressing Financial burdens and World Cup Preparation

WER President and co-founder Jessica Hammond-Graf emphasized the urgency behind the league’s launch. A key motivation was to alleviate the financial strain on players. Previously, players estimated spending around $5,000 per WPL season on expenses such as travel, insurance, and gym memberships. By removing this financial burden, WER aims to create a more accessible and equitable surroundings for athletes.

Furthermore, WER is strategically positioned to aid players preparing for the 2025 Rugby World Cup in

What are the main benefits that the Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) league will bring too American women’s rugby?

Exclusive Interview: Kittery Ruiz on the Launch of Women’s Elite Rugby in the U.S.

A Conversation with Kittery Ruiz, Head Coach of the Boston Banshees

Archyde News: Kittery, thank you for joining us. Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) is poised to make history. Can you describe the feeling leading up to the inaugural season?

Kittery Ruiz: The excitement is palpable! We’ve been working towards this for so long. It’s a dream realized, not just for me, but for all the athletes who have dedicated their lives to this sport.We are building something truly revolutionary.

Addressing the Need for a Professional League

Archyde News: The league addresses a critical need. How will WER change the landscape for American women’s rugby?

Kittery Ruiz: Historically, many of our top players had to look overseas for professional opportunities. WER offers a powerful framework to nurture talent, focus on skill development and bring top American talent back to U.S. soil. WE want these athletes to be able to hone their craft.

The Boston Banshees and the Inaugural Match

Archyde News: The Boston Banshees will face the New York Exiles in the first match. Tell us about preparing your team for this historic moment.

Kittery Ruiz: We’ve focused on strategy, teamwork, and physical conditioning and we know that the New York Exiles are going to be tough competition.We are working on solidifying our cohesion and building our confidence, since this match is an important opportunity to set the foundation for the rest of the season. DAZN will be broadcasting the match, so fans can readily enjoy it.

Overcoming Financial Burdens in Women’s Rugby

Archyde News: A important focus is alleviating financial burdens. How does WER aim to create a more inclusive habitat for athletes?

Kittery Ruiz: In the past, players were covering substantial expenses, up to $5,000 per season. WER removes these barriers. By providing financial support,we ensure the sport is accessible to a wider group of talented athletes,regardless of their financial background.

The Bigger picture: World Cup and the Future

Archyde News: With the 2025 Rugby World Cup on the horizon, how is WER positioned to support players?

Kittery Ruiz: We are strategically aligned to provide a competitive platform that allows players to perform at their best. Additionally, by having a domestic professional league, it allows our athletes to be in top physical condition for the World Cup.

Looking Ahead and Engaging with the Fans

Archyde News: What message would you like to send to fans and aspiring rugby players?

Kittery Ruiz: This is just the beginning! The launch of WER is a game-changer and we are incredibly excited for the season.I also want to let fans know that you can watch the game on DAZN! The league is here to stay, and we want everyone to be a part of it. We believe that this is a sport for everyone. What aspects of the US women’s rugby scene are you most excited to see develop as the sport expands?