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The growth of women’s rugby league in Australia has been highlighted by figures from the NRL’s 2024 annual report showing a 15% increase in female participation.
The success of the Jillaroos, the historic three-game women’s Origin series and the skill on show in the NRLW all combined to make 2024 a memorable year for the women’s game and the flow-on effect is being felt at all levels.
Figures show that NSW saw 14% growth in registered female club participation to an all-time high of 29,970, while Queensland had 13% growth in the same area.
In Victoria, registered club participation grew 21% to an all-time high while Western Australia had 13% growth in registered club participation.
Participation numbers across the game rose 20% YOY to 1.03 million, encompassing club competitions, NRL school programs and recreational formats.
Nationally, the game passed 200,000 Community Rugby League participants for the first time in its history in 2024 as Rugby League continues to entrench itself as the largest and most connected sports community in Australia and the Pacific.
“It was a record-breaking season where we had more viewers than we've ever had before on television, and more people attending live than we've ever had, and that translates down to participation at a grassroots level, which is incredibly important for us," said NRL CEO Andrew Abdo.
“It was the biggest registration we've had in club football and in schools football in rugby league's history, so there’s a lot to be thankful for and grateful for, and we are certainly really proud of the teamwork across the game.
"The commission has long prioritised the importance of investing in grassroots football and ensuring that participation is a key priority for us. I think the focus for us on making sure that we make it easy for kids and for parents to be part of the sport, whether it's touch, tag, or tackle.
“And then of course the success of the elite game and seeing the stars on television, whether they be NRL or NRLW players putting on a fantastic show, I think all of that is combined and the result of that is record breaking participation and registration at grassroots level."
“Incredibly, we had over one million participants play touch, tag or tackle Rugby League across Australia. Whether its clubs, schools or the wider community, Rugby League – however you play it – is going from strength to strength.”
Victoria’s growth in particular set a record for Community Rugby League participation in the state.
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Abdo reflects on the successes of 2024
“The Australian participation ecosystem of registered players and volunteers across touch, tag and tackle surpassed one million for the first time in 2024,” said ARLC chairman Peter V’landys in the annual report.
“Strong growth was achieved across all major participation formats of Rugby League, reinforcing the game’s foundations for future success. Rugby League is now the largest and most connected community in the Pacific.”
