Jara Emtage-Cave, a 24-year-old graduate student at Stanford, began her rugby journey at 13 in Barbados and is now part of a movement to elevate women's rugby to NCAA championship status.
This weekend, she competes in the College Rugby Association of America championship in Indianapolis, where more than two dozen teams aim not only for victory but also to secure the future of women's rugby at the collegiate level.
Changing Landscape of Women's Rugby
Emtage-Cave transitioned from flag rugby to full contact at age 16 and has since played for Stanford's club team. She appreciates the unique physicality of rugby, stating, “I like the physicality because I think it's one of the few contact sports and full contact sports for women. So the physicality is something I find you just don't get anywhere else.”
Recent developments in the sport, including the establishment of a professional league and Olympic achievements, have contributed to a growing interest in rugby. The presence of popular figures like Ilona Maher, an Olympic bronze medalist and social media influencer, has further raised the sport's profile.
According to NCAA executive Gretchen Miron and USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren, increased youth and preparatory programs have sparked a surge in interest. Miron noted, “People are intrigued by that (physicality) and want to play that way at the college level.”
Rugby's Evolution in the U.S.
Rugby has faced challenges in gaining popularity in the U.S., overshadowed by more traditional sports. However, the sport has gained traction since its reintroduction as an Olympic event in 2016. The U.S. will host the men's and women's Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033, which organizers believe will significantly boost rugby's visibility.
Goren commented on the potential impact of these events, stating, “It took about 25 to 30 years for soccer to get where it's at today, in the U.S. We’re behind that (curve), but, obviously, that's the path we want to be on.”
Notably, recent NFL draft picks have roots in rugby, indicating the sport's growing recognition. Currently, there are 30 NCAA-sanctioned women's college rugby teams, still 10 short of the threshold for championship status.
Safety Concerns and Misconceptions
Despite rugby's appeal, concerns regarding safety persist among parents. Some view soccer as a safer alternative, yet supporters argue that rugby's lack of protective gear reduces injury risks. Emtage-Cave explained, “It used to be you would tackle at the shoulders, but they moved that to now where it's sternum height. So it's very unlikely your face is going to be involved in a tackle.”
Future Prospects for Women's Rugby
Emtage-Cave's introduction to rugby began with Barbados' national program. Bryce Campbell, general manager of Kuntz Stadium, transitioned from football to rugby in middle school and became a standout player at Indiana University. He now manages the women's sevens tournament and sees a bright future for rugby.
“It's got deep roots and deep traditions in colleges across the country and it's kind of professionalized over the past few years,” Campbell stated. “There's a lot more investment coming into the game, not only at the professional level, but at the youth level and more people are getting involved.”
Organizers expect thousands of fans to attend the upcoming tournaments, which aim to promote rugby in the U.S. Emtage-Cave believes there is a strong opportunity for women's rugby to achieve championship status, stating, “I do think there are demands that come with being a varsity team that a lot of clubs just don't have the capacity for, but I think that's just a matter of funding and expertise in women's rugby.”
Stay updated with the latest and breaking news on Times Now. Get latest India News, World News, Business News, Sports News, Viral News and Education News also explore Entertainment News and Lifestyle Tips.
Boost Your Prep with Free Mocks & Daily Tests