Queensland Women’s XV head coach, Moana Virtue, was the first female in 15 years to complete Australia’s Level 3 Coaching Accreditation and hopes to inspire other females to take up rugby union– other than the obvious fitness benefits, she says the game is mentally stimulating and is a great way to make friends.
Her passion for Rugby Union started as little girl with her family all being mad rugby fans, and her love for the game has only grown. While raising her son and working full time, she still manages to be an all-star Rugby Union coach. Moana’s success in this typically male dominated sport is legendary and proves that there is a massive place for women in rugby union.
Moana might be New Zealand born and breed, but she now calls Queensland Rugby home, and boy are we lucky to have her!
What originally inspired your passion for Rugby?
Growing up in NZ, Rugby is sort of in your blood, every small town has a Rugby club. My Nan played, my Koro and Dad were Maori All Blacks and every Saturday growing up you always went to Rugby. Once I started playing, I loved the physicality of the game, the learnings around trying to create opportunities, but probably what kept me in the game was the team camaraderie. I’ve met all my best mates through Rugby it’s what’s kept my passion alive.
How does your family support your passion for Rugby?
Well lucky my family is Rugby mad as well, so it’s easy. But my husband (Damon) also coaches so he understands the demands of the role. But it is hard trying to juggle Rugby, working full time as well as giving time to my husband, son and dog, unfortunately sometimes one area has to give which is difficult.
What challenges have you had to overcome being a female in a male-dominated sport?
To be honest I haven’t really seen it as an obstacle, I have been well supported by my club Sunnybank as well as Queensland who give me opportunities. I have met some quality people along the way, both female and male, who have imparted some great knowledge. I’ve had top coaches from ex rep players, All Blacks and mentors like Pat Lam, my Dad and my husband, who are supportive of my coaching, so for me I’m confident and comfortable in the sport.
What advice do you have for other females who want to play Rugby?
Go to your local club, join up and just rip in. Rugby is a tough sport, but if you can push through a little bit of pain you will love it. We have a lot of new girls join every year, but we also have girls who do not return because it’s too hard. So if you can mentally push through pain and be committed you will grow and become part of a bigger and better family, a Rugby family.
Are you able to talk us through your 2018 highlights?
Being an assistant coach for the Wallaroos was probably my biggest highlight. It was a goal, which I had made probably 4 years ago when I was coaching Queensland, so was super stoked to get that opportunity. Winning the AON University 7s Series was another highlight considering we came third in 2017. My club side Sunnybank winning a fourth consecutive title. Getting the Queensland Women’s XV head coach role again. Also, my players going on to higher honours whether it be with Queensland, the Wallaroos or Aussie 7s shows we’re developing girls.
How did you feel when you found out you were the first female in 15 years to complete the country’s level 3 coaching accreditation?
Yeah I didn’t realise that, as I know two female coaches that have their level 3 accreditation, but it was very humbling and I’m very lucky to be given the opportunities I have.
What do you think will work best to get more women involved in Rugby (both coaching and playing)?
Come and try programs are a good way to give new players an opportunity. Also promoting both 15s and 7s as there’s a game for all shapes and sizes. Ensuring we have good coaches in our club sides, so we keep the first timers in our sport and giving them a good experience. Regarding female coaches I think its confidence that stops more women coaches emerging. I started as a player coach, so this was a good introduction into coaching and having a good mentor as well.
Can you share your 2019 goals with us?
- Rugby Life Balance
- Develop as many representatives as possible at state level 15s or 7s as well as Wallaroos and Aussie 7s
- Continue to learn and grow as a coach
- Opportunity to coach overseas (maybe not 2019 but that’s a goal)
- Higher Representative coaching honours
Your husband Damon coaches’ premier grade at Sunnybank while you look after the women’s team, what is a typical week/weekend for you both?
High fiving each other at the front door…hahaha. Sundays/Mondays are normally reviewing/planning, Tuesday and Thursdays, sometimes Wednesdays, are training days. Saturday is Rugby day …. sooooooo that doesn’t leave much. We try and plan weekends or holidays away, but it’s all around rugby. And we try and have a date night once a fortnight.
