Image source, Getty Images
Eli Kildon scored two of England’s eight tries in their comfortable win over Canada in the first Test
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Test Series: England vs Canada |
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place: Stonix Stadium, London Dates: Saturday 30 September Starting: 15:00 GMT |
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coverage: Live text updates on the BBC Sport website and app. |
The lack of TV coverage of England’s women’s series against Canada is “damaging”, according to Red Roses fullback Ellie Kildon.
The second match of the two-Test series for the two sides will be played in London on Saturday.
Neither match was broadcast on terrestrial television, with coverage of the matches only available on YouTube.
“It was really disappointing. I thought it was a joke when I heard someone say that,” Kildon told the BBC.
“The women’s game is improving. It’s almost a golden age for women’s sports. I think it’s really devastating not to be able to continue that.” [TV] For the people there.
“There may be people who don’t know how to use YouTube, no matter what age you are, it’s not as accessible as clicking on the BBC and watching it there.”
Women’s rugby has achieved record TV numbers for major international matches this year.
England are aiming to secure a series whitewash at the weekend, after beating Canada 50-24 in the first match at Sandy Park in Exeter.
Kildon says she heard the YouTube viewing figures for the first match were good, but traditional broadcasters need to do more to support women’s rugby.
“I think we’re moving in a direction where more effort is needed. It’s easy to say ‘we support women,’ but are you really doing everything as a business to support women and put them in their place?” He said.
The fixture schedule for the series was released in July – short notice for broadcasters – while match coverage may have been affected by the clash with the Men’s Rugby World Cup matches being held in France.
At the same time as England Women play Canada this weekend, there will be World Cup matches between Argentina and Chile and then Fiji vs. Georgia.
But Kildon believes that is no excuse, saying: “The debate about the continuation of men’s rugby…that should be just as important.
“We’re on the rise, we’re a really successful team and we’re playing some good rugby too. People want to watch it, let’s impress the world.”
The BBC has been contacted for comment.
