Israel’s Women’s Rugby Revolution: A Game Changer On and Off the Field
The landscape of rugby in Israel is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a surge in female participation and a commitment to fostering a more inclusive sporting environment. As highlighted by the Israel Rugby Union on International Women’s Day, 2026 marks a pivotal moment with increased numbers of women playing, coaching, refereeing, and taking on leadership roles within the sport.
From Conference Champions to a Growing Grassroots Movement
The success of Israel’s National Women’s team in rugby 7s is a powerful symbol of this progress. Under coach Omer Chalfi, the team recently won the European Conference championship, earning promotion to the Trophy competition. Their dominant performance – victories over Luxemburg (29-5), Lithuania (35-0), Bulgaria (48-0), Monaco (42-0), Croatia (29-0), and a thrilling 14-10 win over Austria in the finals thanks to a full-pitch run by captain Naama Bedihi – demonstrates the rising caliber of women’s rugby in the country.
But the impact extends far beyond the national team. Women’s teams are flourishing within the Israeli Women’s Rugby League, with clubs established in Upper Galilee, Maccabi Tel Aviv, the Owls (Maccabi Rishon LeZion), Jerusalem, Hadarim, and Maccabi Haifa. These clubs compete in the Women’s Sevens League, providing a crucial foundation for development.
Investing in the Future: Girls’ Rugby Takes Center Stage
A particularly significant milestone is the launch of Israel’s first girls’ Tag Rugby league, in cooperation with the School Sport Federation, involving seven teams nationwide. This initiative addresses a previous gap in the union’s framework, providing dedicated development programs for girls. Girls are now integrated into rugby clubs alongside boys up to the age of 14, with full girls’ teams already operating in clubs like Hadarim and Upper Galilee, as well as in Jezreel, Haifa and Jerusalem.
Beyond the Pitch: Leadership and Financial Commitment
The commitment to women’s rugby isn’t limited to playing opportunities. Women are now holding key positions within the Israel Rugby Union, including roles such as Leagues Manager, Safeguarding Officer, Instructor Course Coordinator, and the coach of the women’s national team. Senior Israeli female referees are also gaining recognition, participating in European and international frameworks and professional training.
This dedication is backed by financial investment, with approximately 30 percent of public funding now allocated to women’s activities and girls’ development programs. This demonstrates a tangible commitment to long-term growth and sustainability.
A Global Trend: Women’s Rugby on the Rise
Israel’s progress mirrors a global surge in women’s rugby. Worldwide, over 2.7 million women and girls now participate in the sport, representing more than a quarter of all players. The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England broke attendance records, with 444,465 tickets sold and a final match crowd of 81,885 – the largest ever for a women’s rugby game.
“We are proud to see more and more women becoming part of Israeli rugby as players, coaches, referees and administrators,” says Boni Manor Gottfried, CEO of the Israel Rugby Union. “Rugby is a sport built on values of community, teamwork and equal opportunity, so It’s natural for us to lead the promotion of women in sport. Building infrastructure for girls is one of our key goals for the coming years to ensure that every girl in Israel who chooses rugby has a framework in which she can develop.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rugby Europe International Championships?
The Rugby Europe International Championships is the European Championship for rugby union, with a history dating back to 1932.
How is the Israel Rugby Union supporting women’s rugby?
The Union is investing financially in women’s programs, promoting girls’ leagues, and ensuring women hold leadership positions within the organization.
What is Tag Rugby?
Tag Rugby is a non-contact version of the sport, making it a great entry point for beginners, particularly young girls.
Where can I find more information about the Israeli Women’s National Team?
You can find information at https://my.israelgives.org/en/Women7s and https://www.rugby.org.il/en/israels-national-womens-team-are-rugby-europes-conference-champions/.
Where can I find general information about rugby?
Visit https://www.world.rugby/tournaments/fixtures-results for fixtures, results, and more.
Did you know? The Israel Rugby Union is actively working to craft rugby more accessible and inclusive for diverse audiences.
