After a successful first year with the Rugby Australia, Smartgroup has locked in the partnership for a further two years.
Smartgroup executive and architect of the partnership, Dave Adler is pleased at the opportunity to continue supporting women in sport. “This past year has been incredible, particularly with the establishment of the Super W competition that gives aspiring women rugby players a pathway to professional competition. It was so rewarding as an organisation to be a part of that, so extending the partnership was an easy decision to make.”
One of the most rewarding things to come out of the partnership was appearances made by Wallaroos players at high schools in the Smartgroup client family. “Bringing their heroes to young women rugby players was inspiring,” said Adler. “Until now, girls have had limited opportunity to play rugby, but giving them a chance to train with and receive mentoring from Wallaroos players will hopefully encourage them to pursue sport as a profession. And that has come about mainly because of Smartgroup’s involvement with Rugby Australia.”
Adler says Smartgroup is looking to extend the reach of the program in 2019 to include client schools in Brisbane and Perth. “Who knows, we might uncover a superstar of the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup.”
The Super W season got underway last weekend, with the 2018 grand finalists, QLD and NSW, recording round one wins. Round two continues this weekend in Brisbane and Queanbeyan.
Saturday 2 March, 5pm kick-off @ Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Sunday 3 March, 3pm kick-off @ Seiffert Oval, Queanbeyan