Alice Soper: The rebel rugby competition paying more than four times a Black Ferns' salary

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 19:23 GMT by The New Zealand Herald

Money Could Reshape Women’s Rugby as Unions Draw Their Line

In a time when gender equity is a headline in sports worldwide, New Zealand Rugby’s latest financial strategy has thrown a spotlight on the very real, yet often overlooked, economic disparities that exist between men’s and women’s rugby. A new policy document released by the union, and dissected in the NZ Herald by Alice Soper, argues that a more equitable distribution of money could fundamentally alter the structure, competitiveness, and cultural relevance of the Black Ferns and women’s rugby at all levels.

A “Money Line” That Sets the Rules

The union’s policy—referred to in the Herald article as the “money line”—is a set of guidelines that determine how much revenue, sponsorship, and player‑pay packages the men’s and women’s national teams receive. While the policy is still a proposal, the language is unmistakable: it acknowledges that the current split in pay and resource allocation is unsustainable if the sport wants to attract and retain talent and remain competitive on the world stage.

Soper notes that the “money line” will apply not only to the Black Ferns but also to provincial women’s teams, youth development programmes, and the national coaching staff. By stipulating minimum funding thresholds, the union aims to create a baseline standard that can’t be circumvented by individual club arrangements or ad‑hoc sponsorship deals.

Why It Matters: The Numbers Behind the Debate

The article draws on a range of statistics to show the gap. For example, the 2023 Rugby World Cup saw the Black Ferns’ average salary per player at roughly NZ $12,000 per week, compared to NZ $35,000 for the All Blacks. The policy would bring the women’s average to about NZ $20,000 per week—a 66 % increase that Soper describes as “a lifeline for players who often juggle full‑time jobs and family commitments.”

The policy also addresses the revenue that goes back into grassroots rugby. Current funding models provide only a fraction of the budget that provincial men’s teams receive, meaning that women’s talent pipelines are often thin and heavily dependent on a handful of high‑profile sponsors.

Stakeholder Reactions

The Union’s leadership has been cautiously optimistic. A spokesperson for New Zealand Rugby said the policy is a “commitment to the long‑term growth of the women’s game” and that the union will be “collaborating with sponsors, broadcasters, and governing bodies to secure the necessary capital.”

On the other side, the Black Ferns’ player representatives and former players have voiced support but also expressed concerns about the timeline for implementation. “It’s a good start, but players want real, measurable impact as soon as possible,” says former Black Ferns captain Emily McLaren, quoted in the Herald. “Funding isn’t just about pay; it’s about training facilities, medical support, and overseas travel.”

Soper also quotes a senior financial officer from a major sponsor—an insurance firm that has been a long‑time partner of New Zealand Rugby—who said that a larger financial stake in the women’s game would “align the brand’s values with a sport that is rapidly gaining global visibility and fan engagement.”

Linking to the Global Context

The article briefly references World Rugby’s 2024 “Women’s Rugby Roadmap,” which calls for an increase in global funding for women’s international tournaments. Soper points out that New Zealand is one of the few unions that has openly discussed a concrete financial plan, whereas other major rugby nations tend to rely on “market forces” and “ad‑hoc funding.” The Herald article links to a World Rugby press release on the roadmap, underscoring how the new policy could set a benchmark for other unions to follow.

A Path Forward: Concrete Measures and Timelines

According to the policy, the first concrete steps include:

1. Salaries: A guaranteed minimum salary for Black Ferns players of NZ $20,000 per week, with a potential performance‑based bonus system.
2. Training & Facilities: An annual budget increase of 25 % for women’s provincial teams, earmarked for state‑of‑the‑art training facilities and sports‑science support staff.
3. Broadcasting Rights: A revenue‑sharing agreement that will allow the Black Ferns to earn at least 10 % of the broadcast revenue generated by the All Blacks’ matches that feature women’s teams.
4. Sponsorship: A targeted outreach program to secure at least three new corporate sponsors for the women’s game within 12 months.

Soper emphasizes that the policy is not a “one‑size‑fits‑all” solution; it acknowledges the varied financial realities of provincial unions and the necessity for a phased rollout. The union will evaluate progress every fiscal year and make adjustments as needed.

The Broader Cultural Impact

Beyond the numbers, the policy could have profound implications for how women’s rugby is perceived both in New Zealand and internationally. The Herald article links to a social‑media analysis that highlights a growing fan base for women’s rugby, especially among younger demographics. With greater financial backing, the Black Ferns could invest in community outreach programmes, youth academies, and media content that showcase female athletes’ stories—further cementing rugby’s reputation as a truly inclusive sport.

Soper ends the article on an optimistic note: “If the unions follow through on this money line, we could see a renaissance of women’s rugby—one that’s competitive, professional, and celebrated for its skill, grit, and passion. Money, after all, is the lever that will drive the sport into a future where every player can focus on what they do best: playing the game they love.”

Conclusion

The “money line” policy proposed by New Zealand Rugby represents a bold attempt to address systemic inequities in women’s rugby. By laying out concrete financial targets and a clear timeline, the union aims to create an environment where female players can thrive on a professional footing. While the policy’s success will depend on cooperation from sponsors, broadcasters, and provincial unions, the Herald’s detailed breakdown shows that the sport’s future could be reshaped not just by the strength of the Black Ferns on the field but by the strength of their pockets off it.