Thirty players, an egg-shaped ball, and two ends of a field—that’s rugby at its simplest. But as every one of you knows, it's far more than a game governed by laws within a grass rectangle. Rugby isn’t just dictated by the whistle; it's a way of life, a culture that anyone can be a part of.

Rugby for women has long been overshadowed from the top down, but the tides have been turning. Women have been battling for their place on the field for over a century, and it all started in the late 19th century. In 1884, Emily Valentine from Ireland became the first woman to play in a rugby team. Despite this, societal pressures and resistance forced women to fight for the right to play for many years. It wasn't until 1917, in a charity match at Cardiff Arms Park, that women's rugby began to step into the light, and even then, progress was slow.

As the world changed after the Second World War, so too did women’s roles in sport. The 1960s and '70s saw the formation of women’s rugby teams across countries like France, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. The first Women's Rugby World Cup in 1991 signalled a new chapter, and today, over 2.7 million women and girls in more than 100 countries are proudly part of the rugby family.

Many of you will remember the vibrant women’s section that Petersfield RFC proudly boasted in the late '90s and early '00s—a section that not only produced international talents like Vickii Cornborough but also inspiring women who remain an integral part of the club today.

As a club, we acknowledge that we didn’t fully nurture this section after its promising start in the '90s and its demise can be traced back to the old-fashioned attitudes and the broader overlooking of the women’s game, as well as our lack of effort to champion its growth when it was needed most. Four years ago, however, the embers of this community were reignited with the re-launch of our girls' section. What began with just four girls in 2020 has now blossomed to over forty players between the Under 12 and Under 16 age groups in 2024!

Today at Petersfield RFC, we feel that rugby is more than just a game—it’s a way of life and over 2,500 people in North East Hampshire proudly call this club their 'rugby home.' Our club isn’t just about developing great players; it’s about building a supportive, inclusive environment where every member, from the youngest players to our seasoned veterans, is valued.

The heart of this club lies in our unwavering dedication to creating a positive culture—one that champions teamwork, respect, and a profound sense of community. We as a club are grounded in these principles, ensuring that every individual involved with the club—irrespective of age, gender, or race—has the opportunity to become part of something greater: a family that uplifts each other both on and off the pitch. Together, we’re nurturing an atmosphere where everyone can flourish, develop, and create lasting friendships through our shared love for rugby.

This commitment extends specifically to our girls’ teams, where we strive to provide the same opportunities, coaching, and support as our boys’ teams. We believe that equality is not merely a target; it’s a responsibility we wholeheartedly embrace. Our mission transcends mere numbers—we are focused on crafting a space where every girl feels valued, empowered, and ready to evolve both on and off the field.

To make this vision a reality, we need your support. Whether you’re an experienced coach, a former player, or someone simply passionate about the game, your involvement can help us grow not only the teams but also the unique culture that makes Petersfield RFC so special. We have opportunities available for managerial roles, permanent coaching positions, and guest coaching slots. Our dedicated managers will work with you to ensure that your involvement aligns with your other commitments.

There are thousands of you out there with a special connection to Petersfield RFC, and now is the perfect time to rekindle that bond—join us in supporting our girls' section by coaching alongside old friends or collaborating on initiatives that empower the next generation of female rugby players. The door is always open; you just need to get off the sofa and put a foot through it!

For more information, email Aisa Fraser at aisafraser@yahoo.co.uk

We look forward to hearing from you!