Aussie female rugby stars breach their contracts to launch bombshell sexism protest against Rugby Australia after being inspired by the Matildas: ‘The Wallabies’ WAGs get more money than we do’
The stars of Australia’s women’s national rugby union team have breached their contracts to protest overspending by Rugby Australia as they accuse the top of the game of throwing more money at Wallabies WAGs than Wallaroos players.
While the Matildas earned the adoration of a nation in their historic run-up to the Women’s World Cup semi-finals with record crowds, ratings and payday for the players, the Wallaroos believe they’ve been forced to fight for scraps.
The highlight for the female players was watching the wives and girlfriends of Wallabies stars being ushered into business class seats for their journey to the World Cup in Paris, while the country’s female players were forced to fly economy.
The Wallaroos are also angry at Rugby Australia’s decision to spend $1.6 million a year on NRL talent Joseph Suaalii.
The players are also lobbying for full-time contracts that have reportedly been promised but not delivered.
They also want more resources for professional coaching after the Wallabies recently added former NRL player and assistant coach Jason Ryles to their bloated coaching ranks.
Former Wallaroos captain Grace Hamilton is one of many female stars involved in the protest against the huge gap in resources given to the women’s game compared to the men’s game.
The New South Wales star Brumbies (pictured centre) has breached her contract to raise the issue
The statement from former Hamilton and other stars explodes Rugby Australia
Former Wallaroos captain Grace Hamilton led the protest, posting ‘If you never get up, nothing will ever change’ on social media with a statement on behalf of the players.
“You told us flying above economy was too expensive. Then you flew the Wallabies business class on a shorter journey than ours,” the letter reads.
“You told us full-time contracts were in the pipeline, that there wasn’t enough money to keep the men in the game, let alone us. Then you paid $5 million for an NRL player.
“You said our program was going to be professional and our coach would be working full time. How many coaches has Eddie brought to the World Cup? You keep saying we don’t have enough resources and yet we all saw the World Cup broadcast for the Wallabies.
“We’ve seen the impact women’s sport has had on the Australian sporting landscape, thanks to the @matildas. It is time for the Chairman, Board and CEO to prioritize the future of Australian Women’s Rugby and allocate adequate resources.
It’s time to recognize that we are not promoted equally even on a free platform.
“The future of our games is at stake. Your turn, Rugby Australia.’
The Wallabies made a grand departure from Australia when they flew to Paris for the World Cup
Wallaroos stars are furious that Rugby Australia is crying poor as they spit out $1.6 million a year for rugby league player Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (pictured)
A comment on a since deleted post from Rugby Australia seemingly showing Wallabies WAGs getting preferential treatment for the flight to the Rugby World Cup
It comes after Rugby Australia posted footage of the Wallabies’ partners boarding the same plane to Paris.
Wallaroos star Georgie Friedrichs responded to the since-deleted post: “Rugby Australia…. @wallabies WAGs get more money than the Wallaroos team.”
Senior striker Sera Naiqama has also lashed out at Rugby Australia, pointing out the disparity in travel arrangements between men and women.
“The reason it bothers our feathers is because the treatment isn’t the same. This post is pure salt in the wound for Wallaroos,” she posted.
’32 of us selected for World Cup last year, but this was not offered to our partners?
“Before you attack, let’s not forget that the boys flew business class to South Africa in June, but we, their female equivalent, endured a 14-hour flight in economy to Canada, less than 12 hours after our test against the Black Ferns.
“You deleted the post … but we kept the receipt.”
Hamilton’s post has received strong support from rugby fans.
Lip service is not enough. These girls are role models for the thousands of young girls and women who love the sport. RFU also shows us that you are proud of the girls,’ one replied.
“As a father with a child who dreams of donning a Wallaroo jersey, I thank @gracehamilton4_ for taking a stand and calling on @rugbyau to respond,” another posted.
Hamilton has shown herself to be one of Australia’s strongest players on the pitch – and now she’s showing her strength off it
Wallaroos star Georgie Friedrichs has also publicly posted her grievances against Rugby Australia
Another Wallaroos fan shared his disappointment over an experience with the women’s team.
“I was disgusted when my daughter came home from a Wallaroos meet and greet session with a Wallabies drinking bottle signed by the players,” they posted.
How does that instill confidence in our female rugby players that they will one day be recognized as equals in this sport?
‘My daughter ran onto the pitch with you @gracehamilton4_ at Brisbane’s game against the Silver Ferns this year and can’t stop talking about you and strives to be just like you – thank you for standing up for equality for women in rugby.’
News Corp has reported that Rugby Australia was aware of the female players’ grievances and returned their contracts to them with sections marked indicating they would be in breach of their protest.
These sections contain rules for sharing or broadcasting material on social media that could harm the integrity of the game, Rugby AU, World Rugby or the Wallaroos team.