Gulgargambone’s Makalia Harland is backing Western Plains Rugby in its effort to boost the growth of the game. 

Western Plains Zone Rugby Union (WPZ) has launched a new women-led strategic planning project designed to understand what female players, supporters and communities want for the future of women’s rugby across the region with the first step, a zone-wide survey, now open.

Women’s rugby continues to grow across the Western Plains, with Tri Tag participation increasing from 139 registered players in 2024 to 155 in 2025.

Following strong interest in exploring future tackle pathways, the WPZ Board has committed to ensuring any decisions about the sport are driven by women and informed by evidence, not assumptions. 

Mrs Harland said the game has moved leaps and bounds in recent years.

"It will be a long process but we have to consider what's best for the girls and the future.’’  

In a milestone step for the Western Plains Rugby, the board identified the need to create a strategic plan for the future of women’s rugby in the Western Plains Zone, and importantly a plan designed by those women who play, support and grow rugby in our region. 

Makalia Harland (left) at the Gulargambone Rugby 2025 Presentation Day. [IMAGE: Coonamble Times]

President of the Western Plains Zone, Mr David Neeves says, “Women’s rugby brings enormous energy, community spirit and pride to our Zone, and all clubs value the impact that Women’s Rugby has made to their clubs, and the evolution of the women’s game to date." 

"There has been debate about the introduction of full contact rugby for women across the member club of Western Plains Rugby and more recently it has come down to a vote at the AGM by member clubs and its shouldn’t be based on just a vote.  

"The Zone is divided with some clubs for tackle rugby for women, and those that prefer to retain the current Tri Tag format.  

"I am pleased that the board has taken this step to create a strategic plan for the Future of Women’s Rugby in the Western Plains Zone, and a key element of this will involve the consultation with stakeholders.  

"We encourage all those that play, watch, support, aspire to play, coach or are there at the sidelines to get involved.” 

To aid the process, WPZ has engaged an experienced regional community development consultant, to design and deliver the project with the Board and Clubs, including a Zone-wide survey, data analysis and a women’s stakeholder workshop. 

Mr Neeves says the initiative marks a major step forward for women’s sport in the region.  

“The first step in this process is to undertake a consultation process where the Board will be inviting stakeholders to complete an online survey.  

"The survey will be circulated via social media and we invite all our stakeholders to have their say in the future of Women’s Rugby.”  

''This is exciting for the game but women should be ensuring its about them .'' 

She's Got Game  

WPZ released the She’s Got Game – Western Plains Women’s Rugby Survey on 10 December. 

They are inviting feedback from:  

• Tri Tag players, previous or potential players  

• Women interested in future tackle pathways  

• Supporters and spectators  

• Sponsors  

• Parents and community members  

• Anyone connected to a WPZ club  

Gulargambone and Coonamble tussle it out in the 2025 grand final. [IMAGE: Western Plains App]

The results will guide the development of a Strategic Plan that considers player readiness, safety, skill development, community expectations, competition structure, club capacity and long-term sustainability.  

A Stakeholder Group—comprised of representatives from each WPZ club and NSW Rugby— will participate in a facilitated workshop to explore opportunities, identify challenges and co design recommendations for 2026 and beyond.  

The final Strategic Plan will be presented to the WPZ Board and shared publicly, with completion prior to the start of the 2026 Western Plains Rugby Competition.  

‘She’s Got Game – Western Plains’ ensures that the women who play, support and grow the game are central to shaping its future.  

Mr Neeves is urging players and clubs to engage. 

Mikalia says all options have to be considered. 

"Tackle is an option but many players also love Tri Tag which means rucks and mauls and fantastic open play so it will be interesting to see what other players think.  

"I urge players to engage with the survey and lets see where this goes.’’ 

Players and other stakeholders can do the survey here.