Mudgee Wombats’ Rita Palm has been selected to play in the Central West Rugby Union (CWRU) women’s squad for their tour of New Zealand, despite only heading into her second season this year.
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Palm made her debut in union last year and when asked if she ever thought playing overseas would be a possibility, she laughed a humble “no”.
Having played against the girls in Campbelltown as part of the Country Championships last year, Palm has a rough idea on the competition that lies ahead.
“When we went to Campbelltown there were strong teams over there so I’m aware of what the competition will be like but it’ll be interesting to see how the girls play over in New Zealand,” she said.
Rita only really ever played sport during her schooling career and decided last year to find a sport that will keep her busy and fit. And, here we are now reading about her commendable achievements in the sport of rugby union.
“It was nerve-racking [having the first initial attempt] because if you had asked me to play tackle, I wouldn’t have done it because it was all daunting, but once I had the first game and first tackle I just loved it,” she said.
Palm is also crossing the seas with fellow Mudgee Wombat, Helen Blackmore.
“It’s really good to be going with Helen,” she said.
The squads will also have the opportunity to work with Super Rugby contingent, the Canterbury Crusaders.
It’s just really good seeing women and girls involved.
- Rita Palm
Since Palm has a hand in coaching the junior girls rugby union side, she says the opportunity to work with the Crusaders will help the younger union goers too.
“I’m watching to see how they work as a team and get some ideas to bring back,” Rita said.
With women in rugby union becoming more recognised, and interest on the incline, Palm says it’s been a great year for women in the sport.
There’s more women getting involved which is good. It’s great to be apart of it.
- Rita Palm
David Jessiman and Alex Saint will also represent Mudgee in the Central West tour to New Zealand.
A fundraiser is up and running to help the athletes make the trip to New Zealand, with $5 raffle tickets up for grabs.
First prize is a return airfare for two people to any Singapore Airlines destination in UK/Europe, and second prize a return fair for two between two capital cities.
If you would like to support the team, contact the players via Facebook.
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Jay-Anna Sleeman
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
