However Susan Hughes, whose idea this was, had a new approach - and online magazine, rather than a traditional paper affair - a concept that would slash costs, allowing her to offer subscriptions of only £12 per year. Articles were sought from various players and commentators on the game (including me!) in September... after which things went a bit quiet.
Until recent weeks when a website appeared - http://www.womensrugbymagazine.co.uk/. At present it appears to be something of a Beta Site (ie. looks nice but doesn't quite work properly in places) but it is a promising development. To begin with it was simply reproducing RFUW press releases, but of late this has been interspersed with a few short paragraphs of editorial from Susan. Quite how far we are away from seeing the first edition of the full magazine itself it is difficult to say - at the moment you cannot actually complete the subscription process, which may indicate its not quite ready yet.
Anyway - once it is up and running properly I would appeal to as many of you as possible to support the initiative. While the mainstream rugby media either ignores the women's game (or at best uncritically reprints official press releases) women's rugby, both nationally and internationally, desperately needs an independent voice. It is incredibly unhealthy for any activity to have rely on official sources for all its news and comment - even the most well organised governing body needs to be asked a few questions from time to time. One of the main reasons why I publish so much stuff that has nothing whatsoever to do with club affairs is that quite simply no-one else (outside the USA) is - if a proper publication can take this job on then the game can only be the winner.
So drop by the site and register (that part is free). Send Susan your encouragement, and once she is ready get ready to break open the piggy bank!
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