EASTLEIGH Women’s Rugby Club played their first match in 20 years back in November, following years of inactivity after the women’s team was dissolved back in the mid-1990’s, writes George Venn.
Having recruited dozens of new players, many of which have never played the sport before, the club have eased their new side into competition through a series of friendlies, before heading into organised league competition next season.
Catherine Paynter, winner of six Six Nations titles and captain of the England Women’s Rugby Team at the 2010 World Cup, says stories like Eastleigh’s are inspiring women and girls around the country.
“I love hearing stories like that,” she said. “Hearing about the success of teams such as Eastleigh is so important, the Eastleigh team are as important as our national Red Roses in inspiring future generations.
“The Red Roses can reach a broader audience; they can show young girls that there is a path for them too and that it is normal to play sports like rugby. Eastleigh and other clubs like them provide the option for the first step to be taken.”
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Steve Hilferty, 46, is manager of the side and played a vital role in bringing the team back from extinction. “I’ve got two young girls that play rugby in the junior squads,” he said. “I saw that we didn’t have a women’s team – and certainly with the growth of women’s sport – I just decided the girls at Eastleigh really deserved a pathway.”
Lead coach Karl Rand adds that the environment Eastleigh are creating should be reflected across women’s sport. “It’s not about being the best or winning, it’s about having a fantastic time, and finding out they can do things they never though they would ever do. If that can be reflected across women’s sport, it’s just great to be involved in that.”
Natalie Heys says it was a no brainer for her to join the team she is now captain of. “I’ve been playing rugby for about 12 years. I’ve always wanted Eastleigh to have a team, so when I saw the post [I thought it’s] my local club, I can walk here, it was a no brainer.”
With their ongoing success, the club are still on the lookout for new players. No previous experience is necessary, with all ages welcome, for further details email ERFCLadies@gmail.com.
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