Warriors Women are proud to announce a new partnership with Worcester RFC, which will see players from mini and junior rugby given the opportunity to progress through to senior rugby at Sixways.
Securing their Premier 15s status for the next three-year cycle earlier this year, Warriors Women’s vision is to develop the women’s game in the wider community and create an exciting environment in which players can flourish in.
Benny Williams, who is Head of Women’s Development at Warriors Women, said: “Our ‘Warriors Pathway’ model will allow girls the opportunity to aspire to play at the top level of the women’s game.
“With the disbanding of the Premier 15s Development League, it will also allow those players involved in that competition to continue playing rugby in Worcester.
“We will have some players who will be looking to develop into top-flight players at Warriors, while other players will be looking to improve and play local rugby or pick up a rugby ball for the very first time. Everyone’s welcome at Worcester RFC.”
The new partnership is a landmark moment for Worcester RFC, with women’s rugby returning to the club for the first time since 2017.
Steve Lloyd, Chairman of Worcester RFC added: “We’re delighted to announce that women’s rugby is returning to Weston’s Field for the 2020/21 season. This is the final piece in our all-inclusive approach to community rugby which complements our mixed ability and IGR teams. We can’t wait to see them run out and do what they do best.”
Worcester RFC’s coaching set-up will be comprised of some upcoming coaches coupled with some familiar faces under the stewardship of Director of Rugby Niall Crawford.
- Benny Williams – Head of Women’s Development at Worcester Warriors
- Mark French – Head Coach of Worcester RFC and Warriors Centre of Excellence Coach
- Akina Gondwe – Forwards/Defence Coach; and current Worcester Warriors player
- Donna Kennedy – Forwards Assistant Coach and Scotland’s most capped player
- Tracy Balmer – Scrum Consultant and former Scotland and ex-Worcester player
“I’m so excited to be involved in the restart of the women’s team at Worcester RFC,” said Worcester RFC Head Coach Mark French.
“There is a rich history of women’s rugby at the club and I’m glad we have the opportunity to continue that in partnership with Warriors Women.”
Worcester RFC are currently awaiting news from the RFU in relation to which league they will be playing in but have already been inundated with players looking for more information. Meanwhile, Warriors Women have started stage one training within the last fortnight.
For more information please contact Benny Williams on Worcesterwomenrfc@gmail.com