England Students Women’s Programme re-established

The Students Rugby Football Union are pleased to announce the re-establishment of an England Students Women's programme, which initially ran for over a decade from the mid-1990s.

Previously, the England Student's Women's team was established and run by the RFUW, before they integrated into the RFU & England Rugby.

After a decade, the team was halted in 2005 due to the development of alternative performance pathways, but not before some notable talent was unearthed, including such names as: Tamara Taylor, Heather Fisher, Karen Jones and many more.

With the continuing growth of women’s rugby nationally and internationally, the SRFU along with the university sector, want to take the opportunity to showcase the significant female rugby talent still developing via the Higher Education structures in England.

We are currently collaborating with colleagues from the RFU, the British Armed Forces Rugby Unions, universities, and other key stakeholders.

After initiating discussions with the UK Armed Forces representatives on the RFU Council, we were thrilled to receive an extremely positive response.

The UKAF Women's Rugby team, which consists of players from the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, will host a camp and a fixture against the England Students Women's team from the 3rd to the 8th of August 2025.

This event will serve as a warm-up for the Women's International Defence Rugby Competition taking place in England in August, leading up to the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025.

We have also engaged in uplifting discussions with our French counterparts about the exciting

prospect of a men's and women's university student doubleheader in the near future.

Speaking on the programme, Katy Storie, former England International, SRFU Trustee & RFU Council Member, said: “I am absolutely delighted to share the re-launching of the student women's programme this year, particularly the year of the Home World Cup, where hopefully England will become world champions in the game.

“I am excited to be able to showcase the significant level of commitment, passion and talent that we have within the university sector in women's rugby and work closely with partners such as PWR, BUCS and the RFU to best identify this talent and pitch them against opposition, such as the UK Armed Forces and hopefully in the future against other international teams.

“We are looking forward to the level of competition against the UK Armed Forces Women’s team in preparation for the International Defence Cup, and we know that the match will make a fantastic taster for the World Cup.

“We hope to use this squad to raise the aspirations of other female players within the game,

particularly within the higher education sector. There is a fantastic track record of producing

international players from within the England Students programme, both women’s and men’s.”

Former England international and SRFU Trustee and Women’s Representative Shaunagh Brown added: “I am incredibly proud to support the relaunch of the England Students women’s rugby team, a pivotal moment for the women’s game as we continue to elevate opportunities for young, aspiring players. “I wholeheartedly champion this initiative, which provides talented student-athletes with the

platform to showcase their skills on the national stage.

“With the Women’s Rugby World Cup on home soil just weeks after this historic match in August, the timing could not be more perfect. It symbolizes the strength and depth of talent within the student game and reinforces universities' vital role in developing elite athletes.

“This is not just about one match—it’s about creating sustainable pathways for young women in rugby, ensuring they have the support, visibility, and resources to progress to the highest levels.

“This relaunch is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved in the student rugby

community. It embodies the growth of women’s rugby and the ambition we have for the future.

“I encourage all players, universities, and supporters to rally behind this team as we take another step forward in advancing the women’s game.”

The SRFU will soon be recruiting for key staff roles to support this program, providing an exciting opportunity for passionate individuals to contribute to the growth and success of the team.