Girls are significantly underrepresented in rugby and are more likely than boys to stop playing sport during secondary school. Barriers include limited female-focused opportunities, low confidence, social pressures and a lack of visible pathways into competitive sport. These challenges are often greater in deprived communities, limiting access to the confidence, resilience, leadership skills and physical and mental wellbeing benefits that sport can provide.

We will deliver a structured girls' rugby pathway across primary and secondary schools, providing inclusive coaching, curriculum support, festivals, competitions and leadership opportunities. Building on current engagement with schools, this funding will expand our reach to 25 further schools from September, creating sustainable pathways and increasing girls' participation through regular activity and positive sporting experiences.