Rugby and social media

Ingrid Koehler@ingridk

From... To...

http://scrumhalfconnection.com/2013/02/07/womens-rugby-in-1881/

14,500

1982

250

7,000

1968

2016

1917 100first documented women’s rugby match under Union code

first women’s rugby club established

first women’s rugby international

first Olympic women’s rugby 7s

Senior Women’s clubs in England

University and women’s clubs in UK

Active women registered with RFU

Women and girls playing regularly in England

Disadvantages of social media

Comments from the highlights of the 2010 Women’s World Cup Finals on YouTube

I have something against women with big muscles. It’s just…not womanly

What a fine body of men these “women” are

Rofl. Womens rugby. Wouldn’t be surprised if they all complained about breaking a nail of [sic] getting a little bruise.

GASH RUGBY!!! Womens rugby is an absolute joke they should be working in the kitchen cooking

eggs!

Advantages of social media

•Niche audiences

•“Cheap” air time

•Opportunity for athletes to speak directly to fans

•Opportunity to show women athletes as skilled and capable

Arizona State campaign

http://asuwrfc.blogspot.co.uk/

No thanks

images from Canadian National Team 2013 Calendar

courtesy MattSpourphotographer.com

Wednesday, 13 Nov, 7pm, The Stoop, Twickenham

England v Canada

Thanks! @ingridk

An old dumb prop, too slow to get out of the way