THE Albury-Wodonga Steamers are confident of fielding a women’s team in Southern Inland Rugby Union this season.
President Justin Clancy said the club had received strong support for the planned competition and hoped to put together the nucleus of a side during an information evening next week.
Griffith, Temora, Wagga City and Leeton have flagged their intention of supporting a seven-a-side competition with SIRU community manager Mick McTaggart confident of attracting “six or seven clubs”.
“We got a women’s competition off the ground in the mid-to-late 1990s and it ran for a couple years, but, unfortunately, it fell away just as quickly as it started,” McTaggart said.
“A recommendation has been put to the board and we are waiting for the feedback to come back.
“It would involve seven-a-side teams with 10-minute halves.
“There has been good interest so far and I think it would work well within the competition.”
The initiative comes on the back of Group 9 rugby league successfully introducing a League Tag competition several years ago.
It also hopes to expand into junior teams.
Steamers president Justin Clancy said the level of interest would be gauged during an information evening at The Scots School Albury’s main office building next Wednesday from 6.30pm.
“Our club thinks it’s a fantastic venture,” he said.
“We are genuinely interested in seeing rugby grow and this is an extension of that.
“Last year several people expressed interest but there wasn’t a competition for them to play in.
“Hopefully, people come along next Wednesday so we can take it from there.”
Players must be over 16.
The SIRU season starts on April 13.