Australian captain Ruan Sims, has become the first woman to sign a paid contract in the women's rugby league.
34-year-old Sims is now a semi-professional player after penning a one-year deal with NRL premiership winners Cronulla Sharks.
According to a Sharks representative, 'it is the same contract the male players have.' Sims, who has captained her state New South Wales as well the Australia Jillaroos, is the sister of Ashton Sims (Warrington) and Newcastle Knights duo Tariq and Korbin Sims.
Speaking about the historic deal, a delighted Ruan Sims said:
"It is very exciting and unprecedented work that the Sharks are doing. Being the first woman to sign a contract is an incredible achievement and I didn’t think it would happen in my lifetime. It is actually a player contract not an ambassador contract. That is really exciting."
I love this photo!! Well done @Cronulla_Sharks. Everyone please RT the heck out of it. @ruan_sims #historyhappens pic.twitter.com/Og1Q88EwgN
— LadiesWhoLeague (@LadiesWhoLeague) November 6, 2016
"I won’t be playing against the men but I will get access to the same facilities and medical programs as them. In fact we will have everything provided to us that the men get and be recognised as professional female rugby league athletes."
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