Lack of TV coverage for England women ‘damaging’

Ellie Kildunne scored two of England's eight tries in their comfortable win over Canada in the first Test

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The lack of television coverage for England women's series against Canada is "damaging", according to Red Roses full-back Ellie Kildunne.

Neither game is being broadcast on terrestrial TV, with coverage of the matches only available on YouTube.

"It was really disappointing. I thought it was a joke when I heard someone say it," Kildunne told the BBC.

"The women's game is on the up. It is almost a golden age for women's sport. I think it's really damaging not to be able to flick it on [TV] for people out there.

"There might be people out there who don't know how to use YouTube, no matter what age you are it's not as accessible as flicking on the BBC and seeing it's there."

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The TV rights to broadcast both games were free but reportedly no channel, including the BBC, opted to show the matches.

Women's rugby has had record television figures for major international matches this year.

The 2023 Six Nations, which saw England lift the trophy for the fifth time in a row, was watched for a total of 10.4 million hours in the UK - the longest in history - according to figures from the Women's Sport Trust.

England are aiming to secure a series whitewash at the weekend, having beaten Canada 50-24 in the first match at Exeter's Sandy Park.

Kildunne says she has heard viewing figures on YouTube for the first match were good, but traditional broadcasters need to do more to support women's rugby.

"I think we are heading in the direction where more needs to be done. It is easy to say 'we support the women', but really are you doing everything as a business to support the women and put them out there?", she said.

The fixtures for the series were released in July - short notice for broadcasters - while coverage of the matches may have been affected by the clash with games in the men's Rugby World Cup taking place in France.

At the same time as England women playing Canada this weekend, World Cup fixtures between Argentina and Chile then Fiji versus Georgia will be happening.

But Kildunne believes that is no excuse, saying: "Arguing that the men's rugby is on... this should be just as important.

"We are on the rise, we are a really successful team and are playing some good rugby as well. People want to watch it, let us impress the world."

The BBC has been contacted for comment.