Rugby union: New Zealand's national women's side receive historic paid contracts

Twenty-three years after men’s rugby union was made professional, New Zealand’s national women’s team – the Black Ferns – will be offered paid contracts for the first time, valued at up to NZ$45,000 inclusive of allowances and other payments.

England had previously funded a professional women’s XV ahead of last year’s Rugby World Cup, however that funding has now been diverted to rugby sevens.

The new memorandum of understanding between New Zealand Rugby and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association sees a minimum of 30 players employed on contracts. They will also have access to medical and life insurance, as well as maternity leave entitlements to encourage women to return to the game.

The 30 contracted players will commit 10-14 hours per week to training, as well as 50 days a year of training camps and playing fixtures. Given the contracts will remain semi-professional and unable to support a living wage, players will also be encouraged to continue with work and study alongside their sporting commitments.



Source :- theguardian

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