Ashbourne RUFC

ENGLAND RUGBY INVITES WOMEN TO RELEASE THER INNER WARRIOR August 2019, Twickenham: England Rugby is inviting women to ‘release their inner warrior’ and register now for a free place at one of more than 100 ‘Warrior Camps’ taking place up-and-down the country this September. This initiative is part of England Rugby’s ‘Inner Warrior’ campaign, which has been created to introduce women to contact rugby, who have not had the chance to play before. Women can find out more about Warrior Camps and search for their local event at englandrugby.com/innerwarrior. The Inner Warrior campaign has helped to bring thousands of new players into the game, offering women a fun opportunity to broaden their horizons and to try out a new sport for free. Over 18,000 women have attended a Warrior Camp to date, with rugby becoming one of the fastest growing female sports in England, rising 175% in the last seven years and today boasting approximately 38,000 women and girls who are registered to play rugby in clubs. A typical Warrior Camp consists of activities that are used to teach participants the skills and techniques of rugby, challenging players to compete, learn, have fun, get fit and make new friends along the way. Many participants have gone on to enjoy an ongoing relationship with the sport as players, coaches and volunteers. Steve Grainger, Rugby Development Director at the RFU said: “Women and girls’ rugby in England is going from strength to strength across all levels and grassroots rugby, in particular, has experienced rapid growth. The roll out of successful programmes such as the Warrior Camps are key to maintaining this momentum. We look forward to building on this success during the 2019/20 season.” 30-year-old trainee veterinary nurse Kimberley Bennett, who took part in the Inner Warrior campaign two years ago and today plays for London’s Croydon RFC, said: “I was struggling. It was kind of like I had retreated into myself and didn’t have any confidence, but being surrounded by all these amazing women who are so strong and confident brought me out of my shell. I have lost over 20 pounds and physically and mentally, I feel like a completely different person.” Molly Sanghera also got involved with playing rugby through England Rugby’s Inner Warrior campaign, today playing for Lichfield Ladies. She said: “I found rugby at a time when I was working so much as a solicitor. I was losing my balance and rugby has given me that back. I have met amazing people and it has given me so much confidence – it feels like gaining a whole new family.” To find your nearest Warrior Camp, visit: englandrugby.com/innerwarrior -ENDS- For more information, please contact Emma Marshall, England Rugby Communications Manager e: emmamarshall@rfu.com t: 07720 656874 Notes to Editors A range of rights-free imagery can also be downloaded here. How do I register for a place at one of the Warrior Camps? Visit englandrugby.com/innerwarrior to find your nearest Warrior Camp and to register for a place. The majority of camps are for female participants aged 17 and above. When? The Warrior Camps take place on various dates throughout September 2019. See englandrugby.com/innerwarrior for details. Where? There are more than 100 Rugby Clubs across the country who are holding Warrior Camps. Visit englandrugby.com/innerwarrior for details.