The 2021 Buildcorp Super W season is set to be more competitive than ever, following the inclusion of a sixth team, the President’s XV coached by former Netherlands international Inge Visser.
The President’s XV will mainly consist of players from NSW and Queensland, reflecting the depth of talent in these States. It is also expected to feature a select number of players from the Aon University Sevens Series, which culminates with the Final Round on the weekend of 15/16 May.
The President’s XV team has been named in honour of Rugby Australia’s Women’s Rugby President, Josephine Sukkar, who has been pivotal in the development of Women’s Rugby in the country.
The former Netherlands Sevens player, Inge Visser, who relocated to Australia in 2013, has been appointed as Head Coach of the team. Visser is currently part of World Rugby’s Coaching Internship Program with strong ambitions to coach at the top level.
The fourth season of the Buildcorp Super W competition comes off the back of another successful year of women’s and girls’ rugby. Despite COVID-19 impacts, female Rugby participation in club competitions grew by 10% in 2020, with more teams, competitions, and programs available than ever before.
The tournament will kick off on Saturday 19 June with further details announced in the near future.
Rugby Australia’s Chief Executive Officer Andy Marinos said: “We are really excited to announce the addition of a sixth team in the 2021 Buildcorp Super W competition.
“In full consultation with the teams, we made a decision to alter the format and dates of the competition for this year. This is only for 2021 and the competition will revert to a home and away format from 2022.
“The changes are mainly due to the unique nature of the season, with a need to help prepare our national teams for the Olympic Games and Rugby World Cup 2021. We were also very conscious of the COVID-19 environment and the format deliberately reduces interstate travel.
“With the Olympic Games taking place in July 2021, it was important that the Aon Uni Sevens Series was played earlier in the year, ahead of Buildcorp Super W.
“Whilst the Rugby World Cup has been postponed for twelve months, we are still planning a full schedule of Tests for our Buildcorp Wallaroos this year too, immediately following the Buildcorp Super W season,” Marinos said.
Buildcorp Group Managing Director Tony Sukkar AM said: “The 2021 Buildcorp Super W represents a pivotal season, as it will lead into a big calendar of Test matches and 2022 World Cup preparations. It also comes on the back of a challenging year, where our athletes and coaching teams worked hard to stay match fit and adapt to restrictions and disruption.
“Buildcorp is proud to have maintained all of our rugby partnerships regardless of the impacts the pandemic placed on the sport, our communities and our Nation. The continued growth of women’s Rugby XVs reinforces the importance of the Buildcorp Super W and we look forward to another thrilling competition.”
