Vicky Dombroski is a former coach of the New Zealand women's national rugby union team.[1][2][3] She was also a selector and manager of the team. To date, she is the only woman to have coached the Black Ferns.[1][3] She played for Taranaki.
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In the late 1980s, the women's rugby movement was emerging but recognition and assistance from the New Zealand Rugby Football Union wasn't available. In frustration, Dombroski wrote a letter to the NZRFU in 1988 requesting permission to have a club competition in Taranaki. She received a letter from former All Blacks coach, John Stewart on behalf of the NZRFU stating that they were in favour of women taking an active role in the game.[4]
Dombroski could have attended the 1991 Women's Rugby World Cup, but could not raise the needed $5000. Her national involvement has been as selector (1992–1997), coach (1994–1995) and manager (1998–2000).[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ a b Harvey, Helen (10 May 2019). "Women's rugby: From hand-me-down jerseys to professional contracts". Stuff. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
- ^ Ash, Julie (10 June 2002). "Lack of women in coaching - Sport News". NZ Herald. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
- ^ a b Hodson-Tomokino, Taylah (14 June 2018). "Coach Grant trailblazing at rugby's final frontier". Newsroom. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
- ^ Palmer, Farah (10 October 2013). "Opinion: Thanks JJ Stewart, and thanks Otago Spirit". Otago Daily Times Online News. Retrieved 8 February 2022.