Rugby World UK – August 2019

“Top women’s Tests

deserve top venues”

IT WASunfortunate timing.
As July began, women’s
soccer was still making
positive headlines as their
World Cup rushed to its big
conclusion over in France.
Meanwhile, complaints were
being aired about the summer
competition between women’s
rugby’s top outfits in California.
Kiwi broadcaster Scotty
Stevenson took to Twitter to
vent his frustration, rattling off
concerns about San Diego’s
Chula Vista centre, the venue
for the Super Series between
Canada, England, France,
New Zealand and the USA.
In a thread the presenter said:
“The playing field in San Diego?
It’s been described as barely
fit for a training run. And it’s a
training field.” He added: “The changing
sheds? A tent with a portable toilet. I
can’t actually retype that. I’m shaking my
head too much.” He also mentioned that
fans had to bring their own seats to the
venue, plus the risk of encountering
rattlesnakes on the field fringes. All at a
premier event for elite women’s rugby.
The hosts, USA Rugby, issued a
statement in the aftermath of the rant.

They said: “Pop-up facilities were

needed close to the pitch and the

practical set-up was discussed with all

the teams ahead of the tournament.

“While the venue is not specifically set

up to host a large number of spectators,

it was important for us not to limit

attendance. Therefore we opened the

larger space for fans, despite not having

stands or seating infrastructure.”

There were always going to be

logistical issues bringing teams from

Europe, North America and the Pacific

together, and USA as a meeting ground

made sense – as a cost-cutting measure,

Chula Vista was an easy win. But the

cutting of corners certainly stands out.

The players may not feel they can

complain, but we must all expect

more for the game’s elite women. n

Pitch battle

Charmaine Smith of

NZ takes on Canada

WHAT YOU SHOULD BE

TALKING ABOUT THIS MONTH

Front Row

PIC

Getty Images

“Losing a player early in the game

to a red card is a blow to every

team, but it should never be a

knockout blow if you have the

right decision-making process.” P

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