Rugby: Collins to help develop women's game

Scott Collins is the latest member of the NRU team, taking on the role of women's rugby development officer. Photo/Michael Cunningham

Northland Rugby Union has taken a big step towards developing the women's game with the appointment of a full-time women's rugby development officer in Scott Collins.

Collins, who split his youth between Auckland and Pakotai, has come on board tasked with creating a strong base for women's rugby.

He said the role was too good to turn down.

"It's a great career opportunity. I've been with the Auckland Rugby Union for 10 years doing a variety of different things, mainly in development," he said.

"This role is a bit more focused which is great.

"It's one of the biggest growth areas for NZ Rugby and the game. It's a whole new adventure and it hasn't been that well supported here

"There is a lot of talent that comes out of here. There are quite a few that play down in Auckland. Most have left for different opportunities but hopefully we can create a reason to stay up here."

Despite current Black Ferns Portia Woodman, Aleisha Nelson and Charmaine Smith being from Northland, they ply their trade in Auckland for different provinces.

That's a trend that Collins hopes to limit, but that starts in the junior ranks.

"From my knowledge there's a strong female rugby presence in primary schools through to year six. Peter Nock has been doing great work with sevens at the senior secondary school end," he said.

"The long-term goal would be for Northland to have a Farah Palmer team and presence through secondary schools. There are great opportunities to mirror the men's side. But it is really starting with a clean slate.

"We need to try to have something in between levels. We have some at the top and at the bottom so we need somewhere for the bottom to go while not neglecting the top.

"Getting a club competition would be ideal but we've got to start at the secondary level. From my end it's about growth through sustainability but you have to have a sustainable programme for the growth."

One way that could help bring more women into the game is sevens, which has become an Olympic sport.

Players like Woodman starred at Rio last year and Collins said it was a good opportunity to get different players involved.

"Sevens is a really good vehicle. You don't need as many players for it. It's not as physical, not as confrontational," he said.

"You can get a lot more crossover athletes playing the game. You look at the depth of the touch and football players up here and they could get involved.

"Anyone can play sevens; it is a great foundational game and can be great in the schools."

"Hopefully we'll produce a few more Portia Woodmans!"