Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Alumni
Women's Rugby World Cup a shining light for women's sports
Leeds Beckett alumna Emily Scarratt lit up the World stage throughout the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Northern Ireland.
Scarratt was part of an impressive England side that left all competition in their wake on their road to the World Cup Final, including a dominant 20-3 victory over France in the Semi-Finals.
Big expectations were on the shoulders of the Women’s team who were favourites to retain their World Cup Crown against a New Zealand Black Ferns side who also had an impressive tournament.
The English Roses fought admirably in an epic encounter in front of a capacity crowd at Kingspan Stadium, Belfast on Saturday 26 August but were met by a red hot New Zealand outfit.
Despite leading 17-10 at half time, and an impressive individual performance by Beckett’s own Emily Scarratt which included two penalties and two conversions, The Roses succumb to a resilient Black Ferns side, losing out narrowly 41-32.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after the match, Scarratt said "It is unbelievably tough to take. When you come with one goal and get yourself into a position to achieve that, it is bitterly disappointing.
"We played some good rugby in that first half but it's hard to play well if you don't have the ball. We will come again in four years' time. Fair play to New Zealand, they executed their plan better than we did ours."
Although it was heartbreak for England, their inspiring performances throughout the tournament have given a shot in the arm for women’s sports and Scarratt hopes that Rugby Union can capitalise on the increased attention of the Women’s game.
In an interview with the The Guardian, Scarratt said “The World Cup final was live on free-to-air TV and it would be awesome for that to start to happen with all our games, not just the biggest one.
“I know that is a leap and we have to take the small steps in between but it is growing. This was the biggest springboard we could possibly have had and we have to make sure we push on from it and that it keeps getting driven and doesn’t drop off until the next World Cup when it spikes again.”
Through national initiatives such as This Girl Can and the increasing coverage and success of women’s sports, including the Women’s Rugby World Cup, The Lionesses Euros 2017 Cup Final appearance and many more, this could be the start of a new era for women’s sport.
If you want to get involved with female sport and help take Leeds Beckett University to the top, we have a range of clubs for you to get involved with, including the Women’s Rugby Union team.
If you want to play sport with your friends at Leeds Beckett you can also look into joining our Intramural sport programmes which includes Football and Netball leagues.