In light of the Rugby world cup that is taking place in Japan at the moment I thought it would be appropriate to reflect on the women’s side of the game and see how it has developed due to the strength and perseverance of a brave group of young women
Liberty Fields was set up by a group of women that defied social convention in the 1980s in Japan. They formed a group of strong, resilient and brave women that ultimately made it to the women’s world cup, and not only that they set up something much greater. A new level of women’s sport in Japan. Women’s sport in Japan in the 1980s was faced with hostility and societal discrimination, but despite this they formed a team, a bond and unbreakable spirit. Their aim was yes to be able to play rugby, but ultimately they thought “we lose if women can’t play rugby”. When going to the world cup they were filled with hope and pride as they saw first-hand all these women from all over the globe sharing the same passion and same drive as them. Liberty Fields has demonstrated to us that with determination, perseverance and hope anything is possible no matter how impossible it may seem at the time.
Here’s the link – give it a read and watch the short 5 minute clip for a massive hit of inspiration for the week ahead: https://lbbonline.com/news/guinness-shines-a-light-on-japans-female-rugby-pioneers-in-inspirational-short/
written by: Emily – Netball Captain