National Lottery funding boosts women’s rugby – from local pitches to World Cup dreams.

According to The Sun: Powerful summer of sport continues, with women at the World Cup in rugby, the final of which will take place on September 27.

The England team, 'Red Roses,' started the tournament with 27 consecutive victories, highlighting their number one spot in the world rankings. They hope to replicate the success of the football team at the Euros.

Scotland, Wales, and Ireland are also among the participants. The Ireland team is ranked fifth in the world and has ambitious plans.

Wales faces tough opposition: in the same group as Scotland and Canadian semi-finalists from 2021.

This tournament is a great opportunity to raise the profile of women’s rugby.

The National Lottery also plays an important role, investing £6 billion in grassroots sports development over the last 30 years.

These grants have supported 90,000 sports projects.

A multitude of clubs rely on this funding, of which over £173 million has been directed towards the development of grassroots rugby since 1994.

Funding is changing the landscape of sport for women and girls, helping to nurture new players for whom we will be cheering in the coming weeks.

180 female athletes make up teams of various age groups

Ready to fight

Generating funding requires dedication and experience to make the most of every pound earned.

The 'Iverbridge RFC' club in Devon has maximized the benefits of National Lottery grants thanks to the work of a coaching couple.

Georgie Gulliver – a former international with 37 caps – and her husband Ben, also a former professional, have raised the level of play at this local club.

“Their dedication is invaluable. They set high standards and spread wonderful values within the women's team, many of whom work with younger players,” notes Nikki Moss, the girls' development officer.

In 2019, the women's section moved to the main club grounds, which were renovated thanks to a £225,000 grant from the National Lottery. An additional £4,980 was received in 2020 for essential equipment.

“It's quite a large town, but everyone in the community seems to be involved with the club or uses it,” says Nikki.

“It provides many other sporting opportunities for the community and regularly hosts social events.”

Today, 'Iverbridge' has 180 female players – from the youngest to the oldest. Recently, the women's team did not manage to elevate their class.

“The game is only growing,” adds Nikki. “Rugby is very inclusive, and every player is valued.”

The club has four players in the Welsh national team for the World Cup

Local try for glory

CEIRW NANT has made its mark in women's rugby, although the club is only six years old.

This small club, located near Llansantffraid in the Conwy Valley, has prepared four players – two pairs of sisters – for the Welsh national team at the World Cup: Nel and Branwen Metcalf, and Gwenllian and Alaw Piers.

“This is an incredible achievement for a club of our size,” said club development officer Bedwyr Jones.

 

“We are incredibly proud of them. It's a real inspiration for younger players to see images of these girls in national jerseys on the club wall. And they are often here.”

The men's team Ceirw Nant has existed since 1982.

The women's section emerged as half of the youth teams consisted of girls who had no opportunity to continue their careers due to the absence of a team for them.

Three grants from the National Lottery and Sport Wales have helped add a third playing field and install lighting equipment.

 

“These funds have been a huge help,” says Bedwyr.

 

“Without them, it would have been challenging, and you can see how it affects things. We have a real focus on the game here.”

In five years, the women's section has grown from five players to 90

Meet the challenge

Most male rugby clubs have a rich history – Cambuslang RFC was founded over a hundred years ago.

However, its women's section has grown from five players to 90 in just five years due to efforts by the coaches.

The club, located in Cambuslang, southeast of Glasgow, has teams of various age groups and is currently working to create a women’s team to complete the playing cycle.

This is already yielding results: last year, the U-16 girls won the National Youth Cup, and four players were selected for the Scotland U-18 squad in August.

The overarching goal is to transform Cambuslang into a rugby academy.

The club has received over £524,000 in funding from the National Lottery since 1996, which has allowed for the purchase of equipment and partially funded staff employment for development, recruitment, and training.

 

“We are focused on developing the club and the sport to build on the successes we already have,” says Andrew Johnston, rugby development manager.

 

“The impact of Lottery funding is enormous, and it cannot only be measured in numbers.”

 

“It's about youth development and providing opportunities for participation in sports.”

The first registered woman to play rugby came from this club

Breaking stereotypes

ENNISKILLEN RFC in County Fermanagh celebrates many achievements in its centenary year.

This area has a proud heritage in women's rugby: it was home to Emily Valentine, the first recorded woman to play rugby in 1887.

The women's section of the club began its activities in 2002 but was disbanded for a decade from 2014. It now boasts around 160 players.

Last year, the veterans almost qualified for the Energia All-Ireland women's league.

 

“Rugby for boys and girls is a completely different game,” says Ian Ross, the main youth coordinator for girls.

 

“We want everyone to feel safe and have fun,” he adds.

 

“Skills can come later, but as participation and success grow – it all builds.”

The club received £60,000 in funding from the National Lottery, which has already been used to improve lighting so training can take place year-round, as well as to launch a SKINclusions squad for players with disabilities.

 

“I can't describe how vital funding is for clubs like ours,” says Ian.

 

“We are growing so fast that our facilities are struggling to keep up. We urgently need more funds. Four changing rooms for all teams is unrealistic.”

The National Lottery changes lives every day. Learn more at national-lottery.co.uk/life-changing

To date, women's rugby is at the peak of its popularity, and the World Cup has become an excellent platform for attracting new fans. Clubs receiving support from the National Lottery are actively contributing to the development of women's sport, providing players with everything needed for a successful career. Investments in grassroots sports development open new opportunities for girls and women, proving that rugby is a game for everyone.