Lancashire Rugby

Lancashire Clubs with Girls Rugby

• A club's abilty to field Girls teams changes each season. This list represents the 2025/26 season.
• Clubs can be contacted through the 'CLUBS' tab or this link https://www.lancashirerfu.com/club

PRINCIPLES

• Lancashire RFU is responsible for the growth, support and promotion of Girls Rugby in Lancashire clubs and schools. 

• Girls Rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and Lancashire RFU want to ensure girls across the North West have inclusive opportunities to play and improve thier skills, by establishing a Girls development pathway that is player-centred and competition-supported so more girls aged 11-18 are able continue their rugby journey into female adult rugby.

• Lancashire RFU encourages all its members clubs to promote the development of players' personal and social skills as well as a wide range of sports skills to instill in the players a love of the game and a lifelong involvement in Rugby.  In thier delivery of rugby, Clubs and Coaches should adhere to the RFU Codes of practice and promote the core values of TEAMWORK, RESPECT, ENJOYMENT, DISCIPLINE, SPORTSMANSHIP.

• All fixtures should be played in accordance with the RFU Age Grade Regulations.  The half game rule must be observed to ensure Rugby is equitable and inclusive. RFU Age Grade Regulations are designed to protect the well being of children and prevent mismatches, ensuring that players develop the correct skills at the right time and play at a level appropriate for their physical and mental development. 

PLAYER REGISTRATION

All players in England, Male and Female, Age Grade and Adult, are required to register annually on RFU GMS

PROGRESSION

COMPETITIONS

• Lancashire RFU works collaboratively with Cheshire RFU and the Northern Girls Network (NGN) to provide a varied playing landscape for girls teams across the North West. The NGN provides both foundational and competitive platforms, through Grow and Compete tiers, for teams to regularly access appropriate playing opportunities to maximise player development.  The North West Challenge collaborates with the NGN offer to provide a structured competitive offer for developed teams at U14s-U18s, culminating in a winner.

• The RFU also offer Girls U16s and U18s National Cup competitions, which include regional and national components, providing competitive cup matches that aim to help bridge the gap between local opportunities and representative rugby.

• For more information on Girls Competitions click here LINK

NORTHERN GIRLS NETWORK

• The Northern Girls Network is a barrier-free environment where womens and girls rugby is the focus.
• The NGN offers an events delivery model which supports clubs with girls sections to play meaningful fixtures against appropriate opposition.
• There are Compete and Grow tiers for all age groups to allow all players equal opportunity to develop and perform. 
• 28 clubs across Lancashire, Cheshire and Derbyshire. 936 children offered games every week. 30 playing weekends every season.
• For more information email James Wirght jamesgwright2@gmail.com

SCHOOLS RUGBY MANAGER

• Some areas of Lancashire will have access to a Schools Rugby Manager (SRM) who work with the RFU and other local providers toward supporting the girls game in schools.  
• There are several factors involved in the RFU identification of areas which include potential for growth, club links and underrepresented groups.
• Currnetly those areas are North West Lancs (Fylde),  Greater Manchester, City of Liverpool, City of Manchester and North East Lancs (Burnley). 

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

Girls Tackle Rugby

• This programme is developed to challenge stereotypes, create opportunities and inspire the next generation of girls to play rugby.

• Targeting girls in Years 7 to 9 (aged 11-14 years) the programme is delivered through curriculum-based sessions in schools, led by elite female players from Sale Sharks Women. It aims to provide high-quality coaching that develops rugby skills, physical literacy, confidence, resilience, and wellbeing.  By embedding rugby within the school environment and connecting girls with professional players, Girls Tackle Rugby aims to make rugby an accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable option that supports the growth of the female game.

• The ambition is to reach 1,000 girls in each year group across 10 secondary schools in the North West and the programme works closely with school staff to upskill teachers, enabling them to continue delivering rugby in Years 8 and 9. More information can be found here https://www.salesharks.com/foundation/girls-tackle-rugby/

Impact 25 programme

• Funded by England Rugby, due to end on October 31 2025.
• Aimed at getting more girls aged 6-12 involved in rugby via school delivery with the aim to transition them to local clubs.
• Identified clubs Sale Sharks are working with currently include Trafford MV, Manchester, Didsbury Toc H, Broughton Park, Sefton, Waterloo.

Project Rugby

• Funded by Premiership Rugby to engage and develop new audiences through rugby, and stimulate a lifelong interest in the game. 
• Girls from Year 7 to Year 11.
• In collaboration with England Rugby, the project is designed to increase participation from traditionally underrepresented groups: Black Asian & Minority Ethnic People; People from Lower Socio-Economic backgrounds, Disabled People.
• More information here https://www.salesharks.com/foundation/project-rugby/

REPRESENTATIVE RUGBY

Lancashire RFU select U16 Girls PDG and U18 Girls squads to represent the county. Selection follows a nomination and assessment process each autumn. More information on player eligibity and county fixutres can be found on the TEAMS tab.https://www.lancashirerfu.com/teams

RFU GIRLS PDG PATHWAY