Claudia Bell is breaking new ground in women’s rugby.
The former director of the women’s rugby program and junior development at Sydney University has landed an all-important gig with the Western Force Super W team.
There, she’ll be the high performance manager of the women’s team. In doing so, Bell will be the first female in the role, not only in the team but the wider Super W competition.
Watch every match of the women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand on the home of rugby, Stan Sport. All matches streaming ad-free, live and on demand
The Young Achiever of the Year winner in the 2019 Her Sport Her Way Awards has moved from New South Wales to Western Australia where she hopes to make tangible change.
Speaking on Stan Sport’s Women’s Rugby World Cup Weekly, Bell said she’s been encouraged by what she’s seen so far.
“First thing I’ve done is I’ve honestly just really tried to get to know the Western Force and really what the organisation is about and how we can create the same kind of values and culture in the men’s team over into the women’s team,” said Bell.
READ MORE: Embattled Manly’s big play to replace Test star
READ MORE: F1 team’s damning Schumacher ultimatum
READ MORE: Vaping football star wacked with ‘harsh’ penalty
“First and foremost, trying to develop culture around having a professional attitude and conducting ourselves in a way where you create that winning mindset.
“I really do truly believe that the girls that are playing for the Western Force have massive talent there and I just think they need the confidence and ability to learn how to win and know how to stick in every minute of the game.
“I think for the Super W season coming up, every game will be challenging, but it’ll be how long and how hard we can fight all the way to the end. I know these girls can absolutely do it.
“I’m just completely pumped to be here and honoured to be able to represent the girls and do as much work as I possibly can to give them the best chance to be a winning team.”
In her time with the University of Sydney, 15 players were selected in the Waratahs and Brumbies squad under her watch.
Of those players, eight are in this year’s Wallaroos Women’s Rugby World Cup squad.
Bell said it’s been a nerve-racking watch, but enjoyable all the same seeing the products of her labour succeed on the world stage.
Wallaroos skittle Scotland at the try line
“I’ve been watching, half the time biting my fingernails just in anticipation,” said Bell.
“I think the girls are doing a fantastic job and it’s fantastic to see lots of friends playing in the team and doing so well.
“I think the likes of Grace Hamilton, Em Chancellor, who are very much the drivers of that team, but even people I’ve had a lot to do with in my own rugby journey like Ili [seva Batibasaga] and Sera Naiqama, those girls who inspired me to join rugby and start my own rugby journey.
“To see them on an international stage and compete and do so well and embody everything that they talk about at our own club at Sydney Uni, you couldn’t ask for better role models and better friends to have as well.”
Australia will face Wales on Saturday, October 22 at 12:15pm in their final Pool A match of the Rugby World Cup.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
‘I got the yips that night’: Rugby legends trade hilarious yarns on Stan Sport’s Glory Days series
