Rugby MP Mark Pawsey recently met the recently crowned World Champions in the Women’s Rugby World Cup, and learnt about plans to encourage more women and girls to follow in their footsteps.
England beat Canada in the final in Paris earlier this month, in the best attended and highest profile
World Cup to date. The tournament and England’s stunning victory has widely been seen as a game-changer for women’s rugby.
The RFU, the governing body of English rugby, has today launched a nationwide strategy to encourage 100,000 women and girls to get involved in rugby. The RFU is seeking to capitalise on the enthusiastic support England received during the tournament and ensure that rugby clubs throughout the country are ready and able to receive a new generation of females inspired by the triumphs of England.
Mark said:
“It was great to meet such inspirational players in Parliament and to discuss how we can all work together to ensure that more women and girls take part in sport.”
Mark added:
“With the Rugby World Cup only a year away we have a fantastic opportunity to promote our home town as the birthplace of the game and to encourage more people to take up the sport. I will be working hard to support the RFU and to help more local women and girls to take up rugby football.”
England Vice Captain, Sarah Hunter, said:
“It really feels like something has changed in our sport, and I am hugely excited about what the future holds for women’s rugby. We were grateful for the support we received from public figures during and after the World Cup and it was great to thank them personally.”