A CANCELLED finals series will fuel the ACT Brumbies women to train alone for as long as required to boost their chances of making amends when they get another Super W shot.
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And Brumbies skipper Jane Garraway wants to make sure there's another shot, calling on sports to keep backing female athletes when dust settles after the coronavirus uncertainty.
Garraway and the Brumbies, featuring Bomaderry's Harriet Elleman and Narrawallee's Grace Sullivan, had their title dreams shattered last week when Rugby Australia officially ended the season before the finals had a chance to start.
It was a bitter pill to swallow for the Canberra side, who were slated to play against Queensland in a grand final qualifier before all sport was shutdown because of health concerns.
It also left Brumbies players with a choice. They could have stopped training altogether, given they're not even paid during the season. Or they could find new motivation.
"All of us have had to find a reason of why to keep going," Garraway said.
"It's definitely something we've all had to have a think about, find our reason why we still want to train and play.
"Although Super W has been finalised and club rugby is still unknown, the biggest thing is we have next year to look forward to and we've got something to fight for.
"Especially how this season finished ... that's the bit of motivation so that we're ready for next season when it comes."
She can no longer train with her teammates, instead going on solo fitness sessions to keep things ticking over.
Her work space has also been deserted, with the Snedden Hall and Gallop Lawyers shrinking from 30 people to five as many turn to their home offices.
Garraway juggles work as a lawyer and rugby player for the love of the game, with Rugby Australia yet to start paying Super W players.
There has been suggestion women's competitions in the AFL and NRL will take major funding hits after the virus, but Garraway urged officials to stick with female athletes.
"I don't know the financial side of it and how things look, but I do know our competition has a following," Garraway said.
"Particularly of younger girls who really want to get involved in rugby and play.
"I think the best thing for our competition is to stay alive and women's rugby will continue to grow.
"With different codes bringing in their own leagues it's definitely broadened the scope of what codes can offer.
"I think the women's leagues are so valuable to each code."