The Queensland Rugby League continues to lead from the front in supporting women in sport, reinforcing its commitment to evidence-based education and athlete wellbeing.
Siobhan Shirlaw presenting at AIS Women in Sport Congress
Building on the momentum of its landmark ‘Return to Play’ guidelines launched in 2025; the organisation has taken another significant step by investing in knowledge-sharing at a national level.
This commitment was showcased through the attendance of physio Siobhan Shirlaw at the Australian Institute of Sport Women in Sport Congress, held at the W Hotel in Brisbane from March 8-11, 2026.
A key contributor to the development of the QRL’s post-partum ‘Return to Play’ guidelines, Shirlaw was invited to present and engage with leading practitioners, researchers, and administrators from across the country.
Her involvement ensured that rugby league remains at the forefront of conversations around safely supporting female athletes returning to sport after childbirth. The guidelines themselves have been widely recognised as a progressive resource, designed to empower athletes, coaches and support staff with practical, medically informed pathways back to performance.
The QRL’s approach is grounded in the understanding that returning to sport after pregnancy requires a tailored, holistic framework.
Through initiatives like the guidelines and ongoing education, the organisation is helping to normalise conversations around post-partum recovery, reduce injury risk, and promote long-term athlete wellbeing.
By prioritising education, QRL is not only supporting current players but also strengthening pathways for future generations of women in rugby league.
Shirlaw’s presence at the AIS Women in Sport Congress represents more than a speaking opportunity, it reflects a broader commitment by QRL to collaborate, learn and lead within the high-performance landscape.
Sharing insights on post-partum return to play allows QRL to contribute meaningfully to a growing body of knowledge that benefits athletes across all sports.
As women’s participation in rugby league continues to grow, initiatives like these ensure that the systems supporting them evolve in step.
Through leadership, education and advocacy, the QRL is helping create an environment where female athletes can return to sport with confidence. Fitter, stronger and fully supported in every stage of their journey.
