“My name’s Jackie Finlan, and I run The Rugby Breakdown, a women’s rugby news site based in the U.S. …” is likely the beginning to an e-mail that you’ve received from me. I’ve been sending these messages, conducting those interviews, writing these stories for almost two years – on top of the decade I spent reporting for other rugby entities. But time’s nearly up. I gave myself two years to not only gauge whether a dedicated women’s rugby news site was needed but also if it could financially propel a full-time profession.
Statistically, the audience is there, and the continual outpouring of support and thanks gives the work an emotional incentive. Some of that support has translated into reader donations, for which I cannot be more grateful. Even more has turned into sponsors, partners and advertisers purchasing representation on the site. TRB has also attracted other sports sites looking to increase their women’s rugby coverage and offering freelance assignments.
That said, my current income doesn’t cover my livelihood, and so the pressure’s on me to hustle through 2017 and build out those revenue streams so I can continue to serve the best sport in the world. In the meantime, please consider a donation if you value the site – whether you’ve used its research, referenced once of its 1,000-plus articles for an application, requested a story on your team, coach or league, contacted me to clarify a question, etc.
Any amount is appreciated, and I hope to report by year’s end that The Rugby Breakdown is en route to being financially fit. Many thanks to those readers and rugby entities that have supported The Rugby Breakdown thus far:
Sponsor/Partner
Advertiser
* multiple campaigns
