ENGLAND STUDENTS WOMENS PROGRAMME 2026

Purpose To be the pinnacle of rugby in Higher Education, by providing the opportunity to play at the highest level. Principles An England Students’ team has an important role to play in enriching the student rugby experience, recognising & showcasing the quality of student rugby, and providing a national representative opportunity for players in higher education and late developers. Thereby offering an alternative performance rugby aspirational pathway alongside a higher education degree. England Students will prioritise the development of the players, coaches and support staff at all stages of the programme.

To be eligible for selection, all players being nominated need to meet the following criteria: • Is English qualified (either through birth or family heritage from parents/grandparents or residency. Proof of heritage is required) • Players will not be eligible for England Students Women if they have represented another non-English senior international side in 15’s or 7’s within the previous 36 months. • Players will not be eligible if they are a current player within the GB 7's or Red Roses Programme (contracted player, transition player or U20s). • Players must be enrolled at an accredited Higher Education or Further Education institution. Players need to be studying in Higher Education degree programme for at least half time of a Level 4 (Higher National Certificates) or above. This represents a minimum of 60 credits. Players in Further Education need to be studying on a recognised qualification for the equivalent of 0.5 FTE. • Represents their Institution in either/or a combination of BUCS, College, RFU competitions or NAMS leagues. • Proof of representation may be requested from the institution "Athletic Union", Student Sport governing organisation or appropriate University/College contact. Exceptional circumstances may be considered on their individual merits e.g. injury. • Are over 18 years old on Sept 1 of the current playing season and not over 26 years of age. • Has their nomination verified by their Coach or Institution official confirming all information is correct. • Meets the nomination deadlines and timings. • Player footage may be requested by the England Students Women Coaching Team. Players should also exhibit the following personal qualities: • Demonstrates good “people skills” exhibiting behaviour within the RFU Core Values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, Sportsmanship. Both on and off the field. • Exhibits rugby playing performances of a high and consistent standard • Is physically, technically, tactically and mentally capable of playing a minimum of Level 3 or above in the respective country their University/College is affiliated. • Focuses on his improving their individual positional and team rugby skills • Communicates effectively • Meets the minimum Fitness and Conditioning standards set by the England Students Women Coaches • Professionally manages their nutrition, medical, injuries and general body management • Is free of any known conflicting events on the dates set out for England Students training and matches

• The nomination form should be completed by a qualified coach (or the institutions Student Union, if no coach is appointed) from the player’s university or college. • By completing the nomination form the coach is confirming that any nominated player meets the selection criteria. • The nominations period will close at 5pm Friday 8 May 2026. Any nominations received after this date will not be considered, unless in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the England Students Coaching Team. Nomination form: England Students Women - Nomination Form 2026 – Fill in form(https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/J4C04j58tB)

Head Coach, Andrew Ford Assistant Coach, Poppy Leitch Team Manager, Charlotte Ankerstjerne Physio, TBC Doctor, TBC S&C Lead, TBC Analyst, TBC Any queries should be directed to c.ankerstjerne@studentsrfu.com (c.ankerstjerne@studentsrfu.com)