When most people hear the word “Peloton” they think of an expensive black bike with shiny red buttons and that controversial commercial where the husband gifted his wife a Peloton for Christmas.
If the app interests you, Peloton is currently offering a 30 day FREE TRIAL, so why not give it a try? Check it out 
This article would not be complete, however, if we did not acknowledge some of the delivery issues that have been plaguing Peloton over the last year. Most of the delivery issues seem to affect U.S. deliveries, however, the UK deliveries have been affected as well.
New Zealand retained the women’s 7s gold Medal at the Paris Olympic games. That will not raise eyebrows but Canada and the USA finishing second and third might. Both these countries were not considered potential winners, although improving.
France, GB, South Africa, and Australia would all have been more likely considerations for at least a medal of some description.
Why is 7s proving so popular with girls and women players?
The simplicity of 7s makes it an easy “pick up “game. Find 6 others and you have a team. The rules are easy to understand, and 2 halves of 7 minutes means you can fully extend yourself physically. Interchange means all squad members can play in every game. 7s is not too structured. If you want to dash for glory, you can!
In Paris there was 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams, each playing in 3 pools of 4.
The excitement is on-going with 90 meter tries and chases forcing people to their feet. 7s tournaments have been a feature of English club rugby for many years. An end of season 7s tournament can be a fitting finale to a competitive 15s season. The inter club camaraderie socially valuable.
Worldwide more than 2.7 million women and girls participate in leagues at the Olympics, clubs, schools and universities.
For those players who are looking to find a club at a higher level, and even professional, then 7s tournaments are a pathway to demonstrate your skills. Many players who play 15s, can adapt to the 7s model. International selection can be the ultimate destination.
In the women’s 6 nations rugby competition in 2024, a crowd of 58,498 watched England women beat France at Twickenham. A few miles away at Highbury, Arsenal women beat Chelsea at Football in front of over 50,000 spectators. These crowds are not one-offs.
When you have crowds of such size there is huge commercial potential. Sponsors are now competing for the naming rights.
Investment will accelerate the growth. Already top European clubs are running women’s and girls’ squads. There is international incentive. Travel the world representing your country.
For many young girls, being a 7s player can become a very lucrative career.
Here in Phuket, Pat Cotter who has run the Phuket 10’s and 11’s for over 20 years, acknowledges the growth in female participation. Over the last 2 years over 13 women’s teams have entered the Phuket tournaments. There are already 7 ladies’ teams registered to attend the Chiang Mai 11’s later in November. Some ladies’ teams travel from overseas.
Pat states. “Over the years the skill level has improved, and the women and girls bring an uncomplicated joy to their involvement. Playing numbers are increasing and one club Yala, on the Thai Malay border, after struggling for a while have now re-booted and it’s great to have a largely Muslim team taking part in Chiang Mai.”
To win the hard-nosed male spectator over is an achievement and a reflection of the quality of the on field performance. This growth in women’s sport will continue across all levels of the game. Don’t be afraid to start a girls’ team at your club. The numbers may be small to start with, but they will soon grow, and after all you only need 7 to form a team and play games.
