GALLERY | Female rugby players start online campaign after being snubbed for models - Ruck

GALLERY | Female rugby players start online campaign after being snubbed for models

The launch of Ireland Rugby’s bespoke women’s kit this sparked an online movement of empowering images and celebrating women in rugby.

It all began with the launch of Ireland Rugby’s bespoke women’s jersey, however, the promotional images did not featuring any members of their women’s team, instead using models.

Wasps Ladies player, Florence Williams took to twitter to raise her concern about the launch of the kit.

Shortly after, women and girls from grass-roots to international level flooded social media with empowering images of themselves in their rugby kit, along with #IAmEnough.

1. Ellie Boatman, Richmond

2. Saracens women

3. Lucy Charlotte Winter, Sale Sharks

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#Enough A boy starting out in rugby will have been significantly less likely to be told there wasn’t an opportunity for him to play at his local club, he probably would have been able to even get changed at the club because there were male changing rooms. He would have been able to shop for his boots under the section ‘mens rugby boots’ and not wondered if although it said ‘mens boots’ if he could wear them too. He probably would have played in kit that was made to fit another boy, just like him. He probably would have been refereed and coached by men and they were probably hired by the man that was in charge of the club. When he gets home he probably turns on the TV and sees his local pro team play. He thinks he would like to be like them as he will likely grow into an adult male too. If he makes it as a top level player he won’t have to train full time round a full time job. He wont have to train before and after work, compromising his rest, recovery, relationships sleep and career. It is his career. He sees his heroes play for his country during the 6 nations, and there’s always 3 or 4 men who talk about it at half time. Sometimes a woman is there too. On the tv the rugby is so exciting. The production, the camera angles, the music. The newspapers create a sense of anticipation which makes up for the fact that sometimes, the game is boring. Playing rugby as a female is TIRING. Respect is fucking overdue. #IAmEnough

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4. Danielle Bush

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In light of recent comments surrounding female rugby players modelling playing kit we feel it is time to come together as a community and challenge stereotypes of women playing male-dominated sports as well as raising the profile of women in the sport. From Thursday we’re asking female players from grassroots to international level to join together with #iamenough by sharing a post of you in your playing kit – makeup/no make up, hair done or messy – literally however you feel most comfortable! Whether you take a photo at training or at home it doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you are enough and everyone is welcome, current or ex-players. We are one beautiful, strong community. Our current climate makes this even more relevant and urgent for everyone to get involved if they can.

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5. Simi Hannah, Bristol Bears & Doctor

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