Last week, a new initiative was inaugurated at Newark Rugby Club with the aim of encouraging girls from primary schools to engage in the sport. This comes at a time when women’s and girls’ rugby is experiencing a significant surge in popularity, with a 28% increase in registered players since 2017. The success of England’s Red Roses, currently ranked world number one, has contributed to the growing prominence of women’s and girls’ rugby in the UK.
Newark Rugby Club, situated at Kelham Road, boasts a flourishing mini, junior, and girls’ section, alongside a recently formed women’s team. The club is keen to welcome new female players of all abilities and has been proactive in promoting the sport within the local community.
In 2019, the club established a successful schools rugby program, delivering non-contact “tag” rugby to students in 12 local primary schools. Building on this initiative, Newark Rugby Club has recognised the challenges that arise when transitioning from non-contact tag rugby to the full contact version of the game. To address this, the club is offering a free five-week Tag To Tackle course exclusively for girls in school years four, five, and six. With a focus on building confidence in a safe and enjoyable environment, this course aims to facilitate the progression of new players into full-contact rugby.
The next session is scheduled to commence on Thursday, March 28th, at 6:30pm. Alan Staines, the club’s director of community rugby, expressed the club’s commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for aspiring rugby players. He highlighted the potential for lifelong friendships to be formed at the club, inviting girls to explore the opportunity to try something new by participating in the free 5-week “tag to tackle” course.
This initiative reflects the increasing momentum behind efforts to promote women and girls rugby across the UK. As the sport continues to gain traction, it is heartening to see clubs such as Newark Rugby Club taking proactive steps to foster the participation and development of female players. By providing tailored opportunities, such as the Tag To Tackle course, the club is not only broadening access to the sport but also nurturing talent and potential within the community.
The rise of women and girls rugby represents a positive shift in the sporting landscape, and initiatives like this can only serve to further propel the momentum behind the sport’s growth. It is encouraging to witness the dedication of Newark Rugby Club to championing diversity and inclusivity within the sport, and one cannot help but anticipate the impact that this initiative will have on inspiring a new generation of female rugby players.