Black Fern loves the new professional layout for women’s rugby
With new professional contracts coming into force for women’s rugby, one player sees the parental support as a real bonus for the players.
Women’s Rugby World Cup winner Sosoli Talawadua “loves” the new professional contracts for New Zealand women’s rugby.
Black Fern Talawadua is fully on board with the idea of 30 professional contracts for women players. The input of the parental support was a big plus for Sosoli as she is pregnant.
The new deal allows for players to bring their children, up to a year old, on tour. The deal provides them with up to $15,000 worth of child care and support.
“It’s really cool because it shows women that just because you have a baby it’s not the end of your playing career.”
The Waikato captain started her rugby career in high school playing for Whanganui High School. She then played for the Waikato University team and, after good performances, made the Waikato team followed by the Black Ferns.
“Our coach pulled us aside after one of our Waikato trainings. We all thought we were in trouble with our fitness,” she said jokingly.
“They said that they had put our names forward to be selected for the Black Ferns.”
The prop made the Black Ferns squad for the 2015 International Super series in 2015, but didn’t take the field. She then made her Test debut against the Irish in Dublin and established herself as a squad member in 2017 ahead of the World Cup.
Although she played at a national level, like other female rugby players Sosoli had to balance work and training on a daily basis.
“I would train 3-5 mornings a week and then every night after work.”
For Talawadua the new contracts represent a step in the right direction.
