Neil Drysdale: True equality means treating women the same as men, not sticking them in economy class

Neil Drysdale has been to New Zealand once. He was covering the Scotland rugby tour against the All Blacks. Now, the world's best women are going to the Rugby World Cup in New Zealander. They will travel in economy class. England's women have reached the last five World Cups. They have won the European Championship and are favourites to lift the trophy on November 12. The team will play Fiji in Auckland on October 8. Scotland play Wales in Whangarei on the same day. It is a shame that the RFU is sending their squad in the economy. English women's team won European Championships in summer.

The RFU has invested significant money in the women's rugby team. British Airways does not fly to New Zealand. Alex Scott believes that the game is taking off. Several Premier League clubs rejected the opportunity to play host to matches. The Lionesses are short odds to dominate the rest of the world. They will contest their own World Cup next autumn. There are still too many companies and sponsors who wait for the plaudits to arrive before making commitments. It is time for them to get involved in rugby. If they don't, they have missed the train.   “I’m not standing up at corporate events in front of sponsors anymore begging for their involvement in women”.