Haslemere Rugby Club has been a well established part of the local community for years. But now they have a new exciting development that has been in the works for the last few. Their new girls section is evolving at an exciting pace and what better time to talk about them than off the back of the Red Roses winning the World Cup! We caught up with Danny, Director of Rugby at Haslemere to hear how it’s been going.

Girls enjoy rugby training every Sunday morning at the Haslemere Rugby Club, located at Woolmer Hill. There is also an additional session every other Tuesday evening. All ages are welcome at these sessions however the training is currently geared towards girl aged 13 to 16. Younger girls wanting to try the sport can, of course, join the minis and micros combined with the boys.

Danny told us, 'The girls have really enjoyed the training so far with an average turn out of 12 players on a Sunday morning. The club hope that the momentum of the World Cup win will encourage more to join.' 

Communication has also been happening between other local clubs such as Petersfield and Pulborough to support each other in growing the number of girls in rugby. The hope is that this will result in game collaboration in the future. The girls also have their own sponsor, Lythe Hill Hotel & Spa, which is amazing.

Not only that, the girls have also started to become more integrated with the wider club socially. They now combine their awards night with the boys' teams and have a full table of parents booked for the Christmas Ball on the 5th of December. Danny told This is Haslemere, 'It’s been great to see the parents showing an increased interest in their daughters taking up the sport.'

Of course the club continues to cater for the boys too, with sessions for all ages up to 18. There is also a senior team and an emerging second senior team open to all adults. The first XV were promoted two seasons ago and won their first league in 16 years last season which was a huge achievement for the club. It is hoped that these recent successes, along with the club's expansion to include a girls section, will bring more attention towards the club going forward.

Haslemere have also seen many players go on to play Surrey county rugby. And the club has won a number of awards in recent years from Surrey for player welfare and first aid.

Off the pitch, there are multiple social events for players and parents throughout the season too. Both are always encouraged to come into the club house after games and training for a chat.

If you would like to enquire about joining for your child or yourself or further information about training times please email Danny at dor@haslemererugby.org.uk.

Age groups:

Micros - 3-5 years (mixed)
Minis - U6-U11 years (mixed)
Juniors - U12-U14 (boys)
Girls - U13-U16
Player Pathway - U15&U16 and Colts (boys) Seniors - U18+ (boys)