The Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) has amended its Constitution to recognise professional Women's XV players, including Wallaroos and Super W players, as full Members of the Association. The amendment was put to RUPA's Annual General Meeting and unanimously endorsed by members present.
The women's game in Australia has grown significantly over the past decade. The establishment of a dedicated domestic competition, growing participation, and an expanding cohort of professionally contracted women players made it the right time for RUPA to ensure its membership structure reflects all players the Association exists to represent.
Full membership means Women's XV players will have a direct and formal voice in how RUPA is run and how it advocates on their behalf, including representation in RUPA's governance and access to the full range of member services and support.
RUPA CEO Adrian Turner said the change was core to RUPA’s objects under its Constitution:
"This is a natural and necessary step for our Association. Rugby's greatest growth opportunity is the women's game, and that is especially true in Australia with a World Cup on the horizon in 2029. The players at the centre of that growth deserve to be properly represented and to share in what they help build. It was pleasing to see such uniform endorsement amongst members at the AGM.”
