I'm just so pleased for, and incredibly proud of, the England Cricket team for winning the Women's World Cup.
I know absolutely nothing about cricket and I understand the game even less, but it is a fantastic achievement. The players will be able to increase their earnings through sponsorship and endorsements, but more importantly they will be able to increase player numbers across the country, get more media coverage which in turn will generate more income for the ECB and allow for more growth.
The Rugby Football Union announced today that they will not be renewing the central player contracts for the women's team next season. The timing is particularly poor, with the World Cup starting in 15 days in Ireland. England are the reigning holders and are favorites to win again.
The only mainstream media to cover the news so far, are the BBC and the Telegraph. The homepage of the RFU website is currently filled with news about the preparation for the world cup and player profiles. There is not a word about today's announcement. In fact there is no mention of it on their website at all. The saddest part is that the RFU are the richest union in the world.
How can it be, that at a time when participation in women's sport in general, rugby in particular, is growing so quickly, that the board of the RFU can make such a short-sighted decision?
Rant over.