For the first time last year women’s rugby was paid equal prize money to men’s thanks to the support of local business Eight Recruitment.
This year Eight Recruitment will be offering the same financial support for the Women’s Division in the 2021 Mick Whale Curry Cup 7s, which will be held on the 12 and 13 February at St John Oval in Charlestown.
Founder and Managing Director of Eight Recruitment, Nadene Barretto said she had no hesitation sponsoring the women’s competition for a second year.
“Whilst last year posed many challenges for local businesses, I had no hesitations of sponsoring the women’s comp again to ensure these talented female athletes were paid equal prize money to the men,” she said.
“As a woman in business, it is my responsibility to ensure that initiatives like this are able to continue and that pathways for women in sport are recognised and valued within our community.”
This year has already proven to be the year of women in rugby with the Hamilton Hawks announcing their 12th President and first ever female President, Lesa Mason.
Lesa has been part of the Hamilton Hawks community for 21 years, when her husband Gerry began playing for the club and is a pinnacle figure in Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union’s (NHRU) history, being the first Premier female President.
“I think it is important to not only continue the great work of the previous Presidents and committee members but create new opportunities for the talented rugby players we have in our community and that starts with ensuring we have parity between both the women and men,” Lesa said.
“To have parity in sports is crucial, it’s the same game so every player should be receiving the same recognition.
“We are thrilled to have the support of Nadene and the team at Eight Recruitment, who recognise the value of women’s participation in sports,” Lesa said.
The team at Eight Recruitment are driven by powerhouse women who understand the vital role businesses play in supporting the sporting community to provide better pathways into professional sport.
“To see that there is a genuine career path for women in rugby is so exciting and with Lesa as the new Hamilton Hawks President, the opportunities are endless,” Nadene said.
“Eight Recruitment will continue to support woman in sport because it is important for young women to know that there is parity not only in prize money but career opportunities, whether that is in sport or other industries.”
Due to the uncertain nature of COVID-19 the club wasn’t sure if the event would go ahead.
However, Club President, Lesa Mason and Committee Member, Paddy Slattery have worked tirelessly the past two weeks to pull this event together to fill every spot in the Men’s, Women’s and Colts competition.
Teams from Gordon, Warringah, Eastern Suburbs, Western Sydney Two Blue, Manly and of course, the Hunter Wildfires will be participating in the competition.
The cup will be held from Friday 12 to Saturday 13 February at St John Oval in Charlestown.
IMAGE | Eight Recruitment Founder and Managing Director, Nadene Barretto and Steve Barretto with last year’s winners.
