Western Plains rugby union clubs were in Nevertire on recently for an all-teams discussion about the future of the women's competition.

Players from senior and junior clubs met with the zone's board and NSW Rugby officials, where they broadly agreed on the introduction of tackle into the tournament.

How and when remains a source of debate, although attendees said the meeting was constructive.

"We would need a lot more training and confidence," Coonamble Rams player and club vice-president Ella Cleary said.

"My takeaway was that it's important to continue a non-contact option, even if we introduce the tackle option for those people that are interested.

"In Coonamble, a lot of our girls who wouldn't play tackle are part of our committee.

"They're volunteers, they're in the canteen and we don't want to lose those important women.

"Broadly speaking, I think the meeting was really collaborative."

PHOTOS

Supporters for introducing tackle argue it will provide more development opportunities, although others remain apprehensive over potential injuries. IMAGE: River McCrossen 

Representatives considered the trends from 171 responses to the recent She Got Game survey, which asked players whether they want a transition to tackle.

In one question asking what "what would you your child prefer to play," roughly 40 per cent of those who responded answered tri-tag. A slightly smaller per centage said they prefer tackle, while around 20 per cent said they favor "both/either".

The discussions will inform the Women’s Rugby Strategic Plan, which Western Plains president David Neeves hopes will be finalised by around April-May.

NSW Rugby Development Officer Sarah Pearce was also at the meeting and plays contact rugby for the Dubbo Kangaroos.

She acknowledged fears from players within some clubs about not being able to play contact.

However, she said denying a tackle option holds back others from joining the competition.

"We have to be thinking about the girls that are finishing school now that are already playing contact, and what their options and opportunities are to continue," said Sarah, who is also coaching the Bogan Bulls men's side in 2026.

"As much as we have women involved that aren't playing contact, it does also mean there's women that aren't involved because they do want to play with contact.

"So, it's just trying to strike that balance and keeping the space open for everyone that wants to be involved in rugby."

Sarah said she would be playing for the Bulls this year if it was tackle.

At the zone's 2025 annual general meeting, clubs voted 4-3 to keep the tri-tag model.