“They [the players] are not wanting to be treated differently because they are women. They want to be treated as a serious team who work hard and have a great social scene.” said Steve Wagstaff, the head coach at Hackney Ladies RFC.
The women’s game has become more popular in recent years, however, Lamees Yousif- the captain of the 1st team- said: “There is always a space to make women’s anything more popular but in terms of sport I feel a better prevalence on BBC or ITV would really help get the game out to everyone.”
Hackney Ladies RFC team was founded by four friends in 2010. Since then they have established a full team and have found competitive success. The First Team play in London & SE1, the fifth division in England. Wagstaff, believes that they can go even further and that “on a good day” they can beat teams in the third division. The men’s side was established in 1963.
Wagstaff has coached the team for nearly two years. He does all of this while having a full time job with extra coaching. “I am a police officer. I also coach school children and I am an academy coach with Quins [Harlequins, the premiership team who are currently sitting 3rd in the premiership].
“It is so busy.”
With all the work Wagstaff already does many would question why he has taken on another team. He has only coached young guys and men previous to taking this position, so why take on another role and with women?
“I was going to take a year out from coaching and just focus on watching my sons last year at school. I saw the advert and applied thinking it would be something I could do, and help a really progressive club.
“I had almost 16 seasons coaching men’s and lads rugby and wanted to try a different challenge. I wanted to take myself out of my comfort zone.
“In all honesty I was looking to refocus and put something back into our game.”
Lamees Yousif has said that the team- dubbed the Gladies- is thriving in the league they are currently playing in. “This year was a turning point for us. We developed a second teams to help everyone get the game time they crave. Our first team is currently in second place in our first year of promotion. I think we’re doing exceptionally well at achieving an ‘underdog’ status!
“I’ve never been prouder of our team”
Women’s rugby and sport more generally has become increasingly popular in recent years. Although many women’s rugby players do not get paid, even in the first tier, improvements towards professional rugby have been made. In 2014 England RFU issued 20 central contracts for women playing internationally- the first time female players had been paid in comparison to the same feet achieved by men 20 years earlier.
Women’s rugby ratings have been on the up as well. Sky televises women’s international games and the BBC shows highlights of them. BT Sport also show premiership matches on the odd occasion. Lamees believes that TV is the key to take women’s rugby to the next level.
“The booming success of the England women’s team has really helped put rugby on the map for women. I’m sure it’ll continue to rise when games are finally accessed on the main channels.
The glowing success of the national side that Yousif references has meant that the women are more successful than the men’s side. The women are on track to win the Triple Crown – beating all home sides in the six nations- for the fourth year in a row. They won the World Cup in 2014 and have won Grand Slam Six Nations titles four times in the last nine years. Attendance at women’s Six Nations matches was broken at the weekend as well with 10,545 supporters witnessing England beat Italy 55-0. Lamees is hoping for a similar result in their upcoming match.
Hackney Ladies will play Sutton & Epsom Ladies on the 17 March which will be a huge battle. Lamees thinks that it will be a challenge. “I am more nervous than ever [for the match]. We’re up against the top of the league next Sunday and they are an incredible team that just missed out on promotion last year. So it’s going to be a tough one for the end of the season!”
Yousif believes in her team though. Professionalism has a lot to do with their success.”I’m constantly proud of the women I play with! They’re humble after every win and reflective after every loss. It’s incredible to lead such a mature and invested group of women who continue to support and develop each other in and out of season.”
Wagstaff agrees with Yousif, the approach the players have towards the game is the reason as to why they are progressing so quickly, both in competition and membership. He said: “The team is progressing because of the players. They want to be challenged, they want to get to the best level they can play.
“They take training seriously. Every player always attends. We make sure it’s enjoyable and that they progress. It is down to them to grow from a beginner to a seasoned player, they all want to get better and it’s great.”
Being among players who are dedicated to the game means that becoming captain is an impressive achievement. Yousif, who is currently studying to be a primary school teacher, admits that is more than her performance that got her in pole position. She said: “At the time I was the longest serving player who was the most dedicated to the sport! I was at training and games every week.
“I was shocked when I was approached because I wasn’t particularly outstanding when I was playing and I’m constantly winging knowing the rules. Overtime I realised that I was appointed because I like people, I especially like people who like rugby so it worked out pretty well.”
The match against Sutton & Epsom Ladies will be held at Sutton & Epsom Rugby Football Club in Sutton. There are no tickets you can just show up and cheer on the fastest growing club in East London!
