Penrith U15 wins rugby writing prize

An empassioned essay on women's rugby has won an rugby writer's award linked to the men's U20 World Cup

Published by John Birch, August 21st, 2016

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Penrith U15 wins rugby writing prize

Sarah Hunter - subject of Kate's winning report (Photo:Manchester Evening News)

Arugby writing competitionassociated with the recent men's U20 World Cup was won recently by Keswick schoolgirl Kate Birchall with a passionate essay promoting women's rugby. Kate, who plays for Penrith, based her report around an interview with England captain Sarah Hunter - and has promised to expand on her interview especially for Scrumqueens.

Her award-winning report was:

Using Adversity to Your Advantage

England women’s rugby captain Sarah Hunter is no stranger to overcoming obstacles. Though it is one of the world’s fastest growing team sports, female rugby players are often unfairly scrutinised and still have to justify their validity as athletes. Not one to sit back and complain, Sarah has worked hard to make sure that this hasn’t got in her way. ‘I feel the criticism has made me more determined to overcome challenges so I could first play for my country and then keep playing at the level I wanted. It definitely makes you more driven, and I love being able to prove the people who doubt me and other female players wrong.’

Recently, women’s rugby sevens was made professional, though women’s rugby union still is not. However, this isn’t necessarily a disadvantage, as Sarah explains, ‘Although a lot of people see this as only a negative and unfair, there is a positive to it. This is that players have readymade careers for when they retire from rugby. It also allows us to have a better perspective on life, and requires us to develop personal skills such as time management, discipline etc. to enable us to train and play to the levels we need to whilst having to work full time.’

The future looks bright for women’s rugby, it’s coverage in the media is increasing and the players are receiving more of the recognition they deserve. But there’s one last thing that has to happen before these players truly become equal to their male counterparts; the prejudice against them has to stop. These are women who dedicate their lives to represent their country playing the game they love, all whilst working full time jobs. They deserve your admiration, they deserve your support, but most of all they deserve your respect.

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