Turn Around Year for Jindabyne Miss Piggies
The Jindabyne Rugby Union Club (JRUC) Miss Piggies have made history with a thrilling victory in the grand final of the ACT Rugby Women’s 10s competition in Bungendore last weekend.
Remaining undefeated throughout the season, they delivered a fairy tale finish with a 31-24 victory over Snowy Monaro rivals, the Cooma Devil’s Angels, who certainly applied some pressure.
The achievement marks a huge turnaround for the women’s team and the first-ever premiership in their playing history.
Struggling with low numbers and hard matches and finishing close to bottom of the ladder last season, the remarkable rise is a display of their unwavering teamwork, commitment and belief in one another.
Flashback to Ladies Day in 2024, the Miss Piggies were playing a tough opponent on JJ Connors Oval. After the game I’m interviewed a few of the girls, one with her arm in a sling. “What’s it like to play for the Miss Piggies?”, I asked. “It’s getting there, it’s getting better”, one said unfazed by the loss. “It’s like one big happy family”, added another.
That July day last year was a defining point in time from which the team would start the build for future success.
Then coach, Leanne Saare, was on a mission to change the mindset around women’s rugby (most women hesitate to take up the sport due to the contact) and improve the profile of the Jindabyne team – a goal heard by others.
In the off-season, the JRUC successfully recruited new staff and players. Rhianna Burke, a Level 2 Accredited Coach, experienced referee and high-level player, returned to her local roots and took on the role of head coach. Noel Harper with the support of wife Barbara, Leanne Saare and Montanna Hawkins completed the leadership quartet. This mix of coaches alongside a driven group of girls elevated the team’s moral, and the performances followed.
Captain Montana Hawkins said, “Every single player contributed – each player brought their own fire, energy and heart”. Rhianna highlighted this year’s match format worked well for the team as they kept building momentum.
The strong results follow the senior men’s team [the Bushpig’s] premierships in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and reflect the healthy spirit of the JRUC. The club hosted several events including the Season Launch, Ladies Day and Legacy Day in June where it launched their Community Investment Fund and raised over $30k through the auction of jerseys.
With good crowd numbers at games this season, the JRUC built a whole new culture with the men’s and women’s teams, volunteers and supporters all working together.
The 2024 Club Person of the Year, Saskia Dutch, continues her dedication to the club and highlights the great bond the Miss Piggies share. “We’ve got the young, we’ve got the old and it’s just great. We’re strong, we’re there for each other both on and off the field. It’s what it’s all about really”.
And what does rugby mean to the girls? Leanne sums it up. “Rugby is a community that is safe, that brings people together. It’s a support not just in rugby but in life as well. If you’re struggling the girls are there for you, right?”.
The passion for rugby and the community focus of the club is contagious. “It makes you feel at home. If you’re not playing, you must involve yourself in some other way”, says Leanne.
The JRUC will host its juniors’ and seniors’ presentations nights in September. This precedes a few months of rest before players commence pre-season training alongside the club’s summer touch football season.
The Miss Piggies will aim to continue their winning streak into next season when the club celebrates the women’s team’s 20-year anniversary.
Follow the JRUC on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and results or visit the website www.bushpigs.rugby.com