In the approach of the second season of our sponsorship, BRS connected with Brett McLaren, Head Coach of the FNC Open Women’s Team and Tasmin Faulkner, FNC’s Sponsorship & Community Engagement Coordinator, to discuss the changes they witnessed first-hand in their Women’s Rugby competition since the sponsorship began.
What was the most meaningful change you saw in the 2025 FNC Women’s Rugby competition?
BM: “For me, it was the way we represented the zone at the Country Champs in Tamworth. We were able to take a very professional approach to the campaign with a live in prep camp, and a program that asked a lot of the athletes, in an environment where they were supported. The results spoke for themselves with our very first Country Champs win and a 4th place finish. The group came back into the local competition energized and exuding enthusiasm. That was contagious in their clubs and there was a real camaraderie between teams and players.”
TF: “The overall growth in the game – in the past, the women’s space was ever-changing. Player numbers were affected by several things and that impacted season viability. It was great to see 7 teams take the field in 2025; We had the establishment of Kyogle’s inaugural Women’s team, as well as the Ballina Seahorsettes returning to play. As a player myself, it was good to return and see the enthusiasm for the Women’s comp across the zone.”
How has the atmosphere surrounding the FNC competition changed since the implementation of accessibility & accommodation measures?
BM: “There is genuine excitement around the women’s game now. Our zone president said that the Women’s Grand Final was the ‘game of the day’, with a tight tussle and the match winning points coming in the last minute if the game. It was a high-quality game of rugby and a clear display of how far this season has brought our game.”
TF: “Building excitement surrounding the new season. The support we got last year was felt across the area and as a result we have 2 new clubs joining for the 2026 Season. Since I last played in 2021/2022, the competitiveness and skill displayed in games has increased. By all reports, the clubs were positively impressed with how the comp ran and felt it was a great season to be apart of.”
What doors does the success of our 2025 sponsorship open for this year’s BRS Cup Competition?
BM: “I think we carry serious credibility of the women’s game into this season. It is on the rugby map in our zone with more clubs now pursuing women’s teams. They see them as benefiting their culture and club. The BRS sponsorship has been nothing short of a game changer for the zone!”
TF: “It’s opened the door to creating opportunity for players, and a more viable and sustainable Women’s competition for the future. We have several academies across the zone starting this year to support Junior Pathways to the sport at a club level as well as representative level. Many of these are off the back of a successful Women’s season and identifying areas of participation. Juniors, across all competitions, is how we keep the game growing. With the Men and Women’s Rugby World cups approaching in the coming years, Rugby in our area will only grow!”
We are incredibly proud to be the naming sponsor for the BRS Cup Competition again in 2026 to continue to bolster female athletes alongside FNC Women’s Rugby. You can keep up with the progress of the season by following FNC Rugby on Instagram (@fncrugby) or by following our LinkedIn for updates.
