Exploring the challenges to retention and progression for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in sport: a spotlight on women’s rugby league

This study aimed to identify existing challenges that disrupt the retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women participating in sport and to understand the complexities these women face in participating, specifically in a rugby league cohort. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander female athletes (n = 39) participated in Yarning Circles. Each Yarning Circle had 9-10 participants explore the challenges to retention and development in sport; led by researcher Georgia Brown; supported by Dr Kerry Hall, Kuku Thaypan, Lama Lama woman, enrolled nurse and Aboriginal Health Practitioner and Linda Biumaiwai, NRL Aboriginal cultural advisor, traditional custodian of the Yugambeh Language Group. Audio recordings were transcribed and member-checked before undergoing thematic analysis. Lack of competition, performance support services, remote locations, family/community responsibility and pregnancy were the leading challenges perceived by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander female athletes. Future research should aim to overcome these challenges to improve retention and progression to elite sport.