Concern over lack of contracts for rugby women

The shadow sports minister has expressed her “deep concern” at the Rugby Football Union’s decision not to renew the contracts of England women’s 15-aside game players.

In a letter to RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie which has been seen by Press Association Sport, Dr Rosena Allin-Khan said the organisation was showing it was “far less than fully committed” to the women’s game.

She urged the RFU to reconsider its decision.

The contracts of the England players looking to defend their World Cup crown in Ireland next month will expire after the tournament, with the focus then shifting to sevens.

The RFU has pointed out this was always the intention and believes it has been misrepresented by suggestions investment in 15s is being cut.

However, Dr Allin-Khan suggested that system was unfair on the players, whom she described as a “source of inspiration to countless girls and women the length and breadth of the country”.

She wrote: “Although the RFU’s statements have made clear that the RFU is ‘cycling’ between contracts for the 7s and 15s according to the schedule and focus of the major international competitions, it should be noted that the RFU is placing the risk of playing international rugby on the players themselves.

“Asking players to pause and resume their professions every two years puts their futures at considerable risk.

“For an organisation with a total annual revenue in the hundreds of millions, to make this decision is deeply disappointing.

“Surely the RFU should be focused on investing in both aspects of the women’s game and should be prepared to back this up with secure contracts for both teams - 7s and 15s. After all, this is the commitment that the RFU has made to the men’s game in England.

“The most concerning aspect of this news is what is says about the RFU’s ongoing commitment to the women’s game.”