Spotlight: University of Manchester Women's Rugby Union Club

For this month’s spotlight feature, we caught up with the University of Manchester Women's Rugby Union Club (UMWRFC) to learn more about how they’re helping new players to get involved in the sport.

UMWRFC offers opportunities for women at every stage of their rugby development. The club proudly runs two competitive BUCS teams, with their 1XV recently being promoted to Northern Tier 1 and their 2XV in Northern Tier 3. But what really sets them apart is their commitment to development. Every year, they welcome a fresh wave of players through their Intro to Rugby programme, an 8-week programme designed for complete beginners.

Now in its third year, the programme is thriving, with around 30 new players joining this season alone, many inspired by the recent Rugby World Cup. The programme covers everything from basic skills like catching and passing to more advanced concepts such as scrums and lineouts, helping to build their confidence, knowledge, and sense of community. An essential part of the programme involves integrating new girls with the rest of the club, which they do through fun games and introductions with the committee.

Meet Amelie

Second-year student Amelie joined UMWRFC in September 2024, having never played rugby before. After completing the Intro to Rugby course, she quickly progressed to playing for the 2XV and even made two 1XV appearances! She’s now on the club’s committee for the 2025/26 season.

“When I came to university, I decided to switch from gymnastics to rugby union after never playing or even watching the game. At first, this seemed nerve-racking, but as soon as I began UMWRFC’s intro to rugby course, my confidence began to grow.

“As the course was made for people like me, with no experience or knowledge of the game, I immediately began to build an understanding of the sport and the laws and developed key skills, giving me a strong rugby foundation.

"We took our time, dedicating weeks to focus on various aspects of the game, including passing and scrummaging. There was never a moment when I felt confused.

“The coaches worked hard to ensure a seemingly intimidating sport became accessible, guiding me into my first BUCS game for the 2XV within a month. My progression into playing for the 1XV towards the end of this season in the Northern Conference Cup Final and Varsity can be owed to the springboard that the ‘into rugby’ programme provided and the support from our remarkable coaches and players.”

Take part

Accompanying the programme, UMWRFC also hosted the first Inner Warrior Series (IWS) Universities North festival of the year at home in Manchester. Bringing together over 60 players from six different universities for a day of developing basic rugby skills while providing a fun environment to bond with their teammates and enjoy the spirit of rugby.

The next North festival is set for 26 November at Sheffield Hallam, don’t miss it! Based in the Midlands? Join the Midlands Inner Warrior Festival on 29 October in Nottingham, contact daniel.edson@ntu.ac.uk.

Studying at the University of Manchester and want to give rugby a go? UMWRFC is still welcoming new players! If you're interested, whether you're a new or returning player, message them on Instagram: @uomwomensrugbyunion.

Thanks to Alys Smith, Rugby Development Intern at the University of Manchester, for her help and support for this feature. Have a story you want spotlighted, too? Get in touch with Elly White, Head of Communications e.white@studentsrfu.com!