More participants at the grassroots level means more future professional talent, more women experiencing all the benefits of playing rugby as a fun, inclusive team sport, as well as more fans, consumers, coaches, officials and staff at all levels.
Through our partnership with the British & Irish Lions, we’ve created the Championing Women and Girls’ Rugby Award, which celebrates outstanding initiatives by grassroots clubs to support women’s rugby in their local community. Each year, we’ll award one club from each Home Union, four clubs in total, with a special trophy, plus a £10,000 grant to further invest in their women and girls’ programmes. By celebrating and showcasing these spearheading clubs, we also hope to inspire others to achieve more.
The successful clubs will have demonstrated they’re committed to growing women’s participation and representation within all aspects of the club. This includes community outreach, access to playing, equality across the club, celebration of women's success, progression of players, coaches, staff and leadership at all levels.
How to apply?
2024 applications will open on 18 June via the Lions website and will close at 5pm on 19 August 2024.
The entries will be taken through a two-stage judging process with a panel consisting of Royal London, Lions, and independent representatives, plus former England international Shaunagh Brown. Successful clubs will be announced later in the summer.
Before you apply on the Lions website, please read the competition Terms and Conditions.