RPA, RFU & PWR Host First Ever Women's U23 Induction Day

On Saturday 15th August, the Rugby Players Association (RPA), Rugby Football Union (RFU) and JAECOO PWR hosted the first ever women’s rugby U23 Induction Day for players across all PWR clubs at the historic Rugby School. 

 

The day’s aim was to help equip the next generation of talented female rugby players with the skills required to succeed at the highest level of domestic rugby in England. 

 

Players took part in interactive workshops and discussions covering dual careers, mental wellbeing and social media safety, as well as tips on agents and contracts, and an introduction to Thrive – the RPA's player development programme, designed to support women on and off the pitch throughout their careers.  

PWR Under-23 lead coaches also collaborated on sessions including hearing from various coaches on their experiences, exploring more detail on the England Rugby framework and sharing future support opportunities for coaches to continue developing emerging players. 

The sessions were delivered by team members of the RPA, PWR, RFU and social media experts B5 Consultancy. 

A key highlight of the day was the attendance of England Rugby Head of Women’s Pathway, and recently appointed British & Irish Lions Women Head Coach, Jo Yapp who delivered sessions to the coaches.  

Yapp said: “It’s been amazing to bring all the young players together and give them the opportunity to ask questions and learn about areas where knowledge can sometimes be assumed. It’s also been really beneficial to have the coaches involved. 

“The women’s game is changing year on year and becoming increasingly professional, so it’s important that players understand areas such as contracts, dual careers and wellbeing, as well as the support that is available to them. As the game continues to evolve, we need to make sure we’re supporting and educating players so they’re equipped for what lies ahead.” 

Red Roses duo Lilli Ives Campion and Millie David, from Loughborough Lightning and Bristol Bears, and Leicester Tigers player Grace Deane featured in a Q&A, where they shared their experiences at the top level of the game. 

Lock Ives Campion said: "It’s been a brilliant day; I wish I'd had something like this when I was coming through. Days like this give you a real understanding of everything that comes with being an elite rugby player, and it’s great to see the RPA, PWR and RFU investing in the next generation. I hope the girls benefit from the day and take everything forward into forging their own career.” 

Rachael Burford, Head of Women’s Rugby at the RPA, commented: “Bringing together the next generation of women's players from every PWR club is a really significant moment for the game. This day is about giving them the knowledge, confidence and support to thrive throughout their careers, not just as rugby players, but as people. We're proud to have worked alongside PWR and the RFU to deliver an opportunity like this for the next generation of players.” 

PWR Executive Chair, Genevieve Shore, added: “I'm always excited when I see stakeholders from across the game come together to educate and care for younger players, and give them some of the tools they might need to thrive in their career. Part of our mission is that we want every generation of athletes to have greater opportunities than the last, to always improve, and this is that mission in action. We are proud to have worked with the RPA and RFU on this project and look forward to collaborating with them again in the future as we all look to continually enhance the player experience."