New women's rugby league launches in New York City

A new professional women’s rugby league is starting in New York City this Saturday, marking a significant moment for women's sports in the U.S. The inaugural game will see the New York Exiles compete against the Boston Banshees at the Stadium at Memorial Field at 3 p.m. This league, called Women’s Elite Rugby, features six teams from different cities. The players have been training hard at a Midtown wrestling center. Nearly 40 top women rugby players have come together for two hours of practice every Tuesday night. Among the players are notable athletes like Tess Feury, who has represented Team USA in World Cups, and Jenn Salomon-Clayton, who recently won a silver medal with Mexico. The women’s rugby scene is gaining momentum, especially after the U.S. women's rugby sevens team captured bronze at the Paris Olympics. This visibility has sparked interest and growth in women's rugby, similar to other sports leagues. Many players still juggle full-time jobs alongside their rugby careers. Misha Green-Yotts, for example, is a speech pathologist and a mother of two. This league aims to improve financial stability for players but is still in its early stages, relying on prize money for distribution. While players in England earn around $35,000, American rugby has historically provided limited financial options. Experts say that establishing a sustainable pay structure for athletes is crucial. Players remain hopeful that salaries will rise as the sport grows in popularity. The league has plans to reach wider audiences by partnering with DAZN, a streaming service that will broadcast all games for free. This strategy aims to attract new fans and raise awareness about rugby in America. The New York Exiles draw their name from the poem “The New Colossus,” reflecting themes of resilience and community. Salomon-Clayton emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment for the players and their aspirations.