Women's rugby is thriving, and you should join the movement

The number of women and girls playing rugby has soared in recent years and at Bideford RFC there is celebrations of our women and girls’ division, writes Emma Townsend.   

Bideford RFC is the only Rugby Club in North Devon offering all age groups of girls and women’s teams from Under 12’s through to Senior Women’s Rugby and it’s currently at record levels of female membership. The players range from complete beginners to playing for Devon at representative county level.   

In recent years, with the Women’s Rugby World Cup, and of course the Red Roses, we’ve seen plenty of women and girls wanting to try Rugby. Bideford’s path has been paved by our women’s team established in 1996 and we’ve now seen more players than ever looking to take up the challenge of a physical sport. We are reaching out to any women and girls who fancy the challenge to come down and meet us and have a go!  

We set out in 2021 on a social media campaign, hosting taster sessions and encouraging anyone with an interest to come and try, no matter experience or skill set. The benefits of rugby stretch beyond fitness, it offers a growth in social and body confidence, improvement in skill and flexibility and most importantly lifelong friendships and community. We are now at a fantastic 127 registered players for Women’s and Girls rugby.  

If you are interested, please visit our website for more information or find us on Facebook at Bideford RFC Ladies. 

On a competitive level, Bideford Ladies are enjoying a tremendous start to the Women’s NC2 South West season, and a nail-biting win over Totnes ensured the North Devon outfit topped the table, one point ahead of Launceston Ladies.

In a thrilling game, Totnes ignored their lowly status in the league with a confident start and raced into the lead, with Bideford unable to find their normal attacking rhythm.

After a chat and regroup, Bideford got on the scoreboard with a pick-and-go try from Hannah Lovering-Bright. It was just the platform they required and two further tries ensured a dramatic 15-14 victory. Next on the menu is a trip to Devonport Services on December 2, followed by Helston at home on December 17 and then the Christmas break.