International rugby player Shaunagh Brown joined the Girls Rugby Club training camp in Horsham, West Sussex, on 16th August as part of her work with mutual insurer Royal London.
The Girls Rugby Club recognises that the traditional rugby environment is not always designed with girls in mind. The Club provides an environment for girls to enjoy rugby, discover their skills and strengths and become inspired to take their rugby further.
22 girls between the ages of 12 and 14 joined the camp for warm-up matches and training drills. Shaunagh also took part in a Q&A session to talk about her career and give advice to the participants.
Shaunagh Brown, Royal London’s Brand Ambassador, said:
“Sport can truly be life changing across all levels. It was a pleasure to meet those who I am sure will be part of women’s rugby future and hope that we can continue to break down the barriers that prevent women from enjoying the sport. By investing in women’s rugby, we can help to grow the game for everyone.”
Susie Logan, Group Chief Marketing Officer at Royal London, commented:
“For young girls starting their journey in rugby, it’s important for them to see role models whose paths they can follow. At Royal London we’re delighted to be supporting the future of women’s rugby, including nurturing future talent.”
Issy Horsfall, 12 year old attendee at the Girls Rugby Club, said:
“If there was a women’s Lions tour it would mean quite a lot being able to have the chance to play in the future. I think it would show a lot more equality and have more girls want to join in because they can have the chance to play against many other countries.”
Rachael Burford, Founder of the Girls Rugby Club, said:
“We’re delighted to be working with Royal London on advancing the women’s game and exploring the feasibility of a Women’s Lions programme. Our mission has always been to improve the player pathway for girls and women and create opportunities within our sport. This partnership is another step on that journey.”
Discussing how she started her career in rugby, Shaunagh added:
“Growing up, rugby was never something that I’d been exposed to or knew anything about since it wasn’t offered in my school. It was only when it was recommended by a friend that I gave it a go and it’s completely evolved my life, helping me grow into the person I’ve become today.
“It was and is a chance to be celebrated in a way that society doesn’t currently celebrate women. I was actively encouraged to be myself and be proud of being a big and strong female because that’s what the team needed from me. And the best bit is how many different types of people we need to play the game. Different heights, weights, body shapes and mindset are needed, along with everything else.”
-ENDS-
For further information please contact:
Royal London Press Office
- Email: pressoffice@royallondon.com
Notes to Editors
A biography for Shaunagh Brown is available here.
About Royal London
Royal London is the largest mutual life insurance, pensions and investment company in the UK, with assets under management of £153 billion, 8.8 million policies in force and 4,075 employees. Figures quoted are as at 30 June 2021.