The launch of the first Under-20s Fillies competition in Queensland Premier Rugby is a major step in building the pathway for aspiring women’s players.
Today’s announcement means talented 16-year-olds will no longer leave the junior ranks with a daunting leap to the senior women’s ranks as their only playing option.
Four clubs have signed on for the inaugural season which will be a five-week sprint kicking off on Sunday, February 22.
It’s a new comp with new energy offering new talent a stepping stone into 15-a-side rugby.
University of Queensland, Wests, Sunnybank and Norths have committed to fielding teams, with interest expressed by other clubs for the future.
You can find all the information about the competition and the draw here.
Wests halfback Rachael Phipps believes it is exactly what rugby needs for young female players.
“I was so happy when I heard of this new competition for U20s,” Phipps said.
“Last year, I was 16 and still at school and there wasn’t an age group for me to step up to in rugby. I went straight to seniors. I was lucky to find a great environment at Wests where they do have a reserve grade side and I could learn a lot,” Phipps said.
“I know the jump is a daunting one. Having this U20s comp will lessen the shock and higher expectations of the big jump to seniors.
“It’s a great stepping stone. For me and a lot of friends, we will benefit playing against girls of the same age and getting more game time.”
Halfback Phipps was still in Year 12 at Kelvin Grove State College last year when she entered the senior ranks and savoured a reserve grade premiership at Wests.
“I love the game and it’s really exciting to see the support women’s rugby is being given by my club and now the U20s comp,” Phipps added.
The U20s Fillies competition will be staged across three Sundays at different host clubs before semi-finals and a grand final.
Norths will host on February 22 before Sunnybank (March 1) and Wests (March 8) also host double-headers with 9:30am and 10:50am kick-offs.
QPR Competitions Manager Trent MaChong said the new U20s Fillies series has been born out of clubs seeing the need for such a competition.
“There was clear interest at the clubs to create this step in the pathway. It’s really exciting for young women to now have the chance to showcase their talents with players of the same age,” MaChong said.
“Women’s rugby continues to grow and this lightning series over five weeks is a great way to encourage the next generation of players in the 15-a-side game.”
Round 1 at Norths Rugby Club (February 22) Norths vs Sunnybank and UQ vs Wests
Round 2 at Sunnybank Rugby Club (March 1) UQ vs Sunnybank and Norths vs Wests
Round 3 at Wests Rugby Club (March 8) UQ vs Norths and Wests vs Sunnybank
March 15 Semi-finals
March 22 Grand Final
