SWEDEN: DO – ANALYZE AND ACT!

1. When did the women’s rugby movement start in your country and what is its history? How is rugby structured in your country?

1931: First game was played in Stockholm Sweden as a promotor for rugby, the game was played between to British Navy boats and turned out to be very popular.
1932: Swedish Rugby Union is founded.
1979: Strong pioneer clubs, as Enköping RK, Riddarsporren, (later Stockholm Exiles, Norrköping Trojan started to coach female players.
Friendly games were held to attract more female players and build up numbers.
1983: First Swedish Championship 15 aside was held, – Stockholm Exiles won
1984: First National game was played vs Netherlands, lost 0-34.
Sweden women have thru the years enjoyed great cooperation and development with Netherlands and has met them many times in friendly and competetive games.
1986: First Swedish Championship 7 aside was held.
1991: Sweden Women participated in World Cup in Wales, ended on 10th place.
1994: Sweden Women participated in World Cup in Scotland, ended on 10th place.
1998: Sweden Women participated in World Cup in Netherlands, ended on 15th place.
2010: Sweden Women participated in World Cup in England, ended on 12th place.
2014: Academy is standard for female youth players in regions. So called Talent program.

Fun Fact:
Sweden has one female player, Jennie Öhman (former Bohlin) who participated on all 4 World Cups. She also got selected to represent Nomads (later on Barbarians)
Sweden has been on front foot when it comes equality for female Chairmans and have during the years voted 4 female Chairmen’s for SRF and one female has held position as Elite performance for both Men and Women.
Sweden Women has been competetive on 7´s stage and been competitive on highest league in Europe.
SRF is currently rank 20 in World Rugby and plays 15 in Championship Europe. Several Swedish female players have played professional in England Premiership.
Thanks to Anna-Lena Swartz and Janne Söderqvist.

Women’s rugby in Malta has faced many challenges but has also experienced important milestones. At the beginning, it was difficult to attract players, but some determined individuals worked hard to create a competitive structure. The first club team had to play against men or touring teams in order to gain match experience. They practiced both sevens and fifteens rugby. The national team participates in European rugby sevens competitions. Although development has been inconsistent, there have been periods of growth. However, sustainability has remained a problem, with fluctuating numbers making it difficult to maintain a stable league. Currently, there are 4 women’s teams in Malta, and club rugby is mainly focused on sevens due to the limited number of players. The structure varies, but efforts are underway to create a more stable league. The Maltese women’s national team continues to participate in international rugby sevens tournaments.

Out of 25 clubs with registered players 18 of them has female licensed players. In 15 aside we have a national league where 7 clubs play each other.

2. Do you think playing rugby has a social impact for a woman in your country?

When it comes to building character, long life friends, create resilience and strength and at the same time have so much life purpose and fun, there is no sport as rugby.

3. In your opinion, what can rugby give to women in your country?

It is many cross over athletes that comes to rugby, that are attracted to the off-pitch lifestyle with the social aspect of it. Very serious about the rugby and yet care for the person. It is a ball sport that is based on extreme team sport values and that we make each other good. In today’s society is the most precious gift you can give your daughter, best friend or any woman out there searching for good values.

Watch the video interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOstBq4vmDs