'It's a privilege to be here with these grassroots heroes'

Telegraph

a day ago

In April the Telegraph Media Group Honda Rugby Legacy Fund was relaunched to give support to 15 more girls' and women's clubs in the UK, and help them to achieve their goals and kickstart their dreams.
Having received over 400 entries, it was the job of the panel judges – including Rugby World Cup winner Maggie Alphonsi; Telegraph women's rugby correspondent Fiona Tomas; Rebecca Adamson, head of automobile at Honda UK; and women's rugby commentator Nick Heath – to whittle it down to a final 15. As well as being presented with funds ranging from £3,000 to £1,000 the winners were also invited to a special celebration day at Harlow Rugby Club in Essex.
'I think the thing about meeting other clubs on a day like today is just to share,' says Leon Horton from Tetbury Rugby Club – one of five winners of £3,000. 'We'll be able to get some extra floodlights to create more space for training. We can then get more of the girls from the local community coming in to play rugby.'
While the inspiring themes of the competition entries varied, there were many core similarities. Women's and girls' rugby is growing quickly, but it tends to be in clubs that have been historically male dominated. Improving facilities, developing more toilet and shower rooms, expanding training spaces with better lighting and connecting remote clubs are all key elements to growth and success in the grassroots game for women and girls.
'Being part of today has given us such a great chance to see other people that are in the same sort of situation as us, and have those discussions with other clubs to see what they're doing and see what's working for them,' says Beth Hampton from St Ives Rugby Club in Cornwall. Their girls' section only started in September 2024 and it is their geographical location that adds to the challenge. As one of 10 clubs to receive a £1,000 award, theirs will help support volunteers to go into local schools and encourage new girls to join the club.
As part of the winners' day, everyone was invited to take part in a special photo shoot before joining Maggie Alphonsi for a fun and light-hearted training session. The great British weather even turned on the summer's first heatwave for the occasion.
'It was really lovely meeting Maggie Alphonsi today and having the opportunity to have a training session on the pitch with her,' says Caroline Meenan of City of Derry RFC.
'We've already got a tour planned to Scotland for next year from meeting some of the girls last night in the hotel. Not many people will have this opportunity so we're very privileged to be here.'
Jennifer Scahill from Uddingston Women agrees: 'The opportunity to be with the other winners and train with Maggie Alphonsi has been incredible. It's just super inspiring to hear her stories.'
There was also a Q&A panel – hosted by esteemed rugby commentator Heath – featuring Alphonsi and former Wales international Philippa Tuttiett. The topics covered ranged from how the women's elite game has changed through to the challenges of keeping young girls in the game at age grade levels. The passionate views shared would have given rugby's top administrators plenty to think about.
'It's such a privilege to be among these heroes working at grassroots level who do so much,' Tuttiett says. 'The growth of the women's game relies on how well we can look after its development and its roots. To have the chance to meet some of the representatives from these 15 clubs – and these are just 15 out of hundreds out there – has been such a joy. They are all doing so much good work and our communities owe so much to their efforts.'
It's a sentiment that Alphonsi supports: 'It's been a real honour to meet the winners of the 2025 Telegraph Media Group Honda Rugby Legacy Fund, all of whom are doing such great work to support women's and girls' rugby across the UK. This is going to be another huge year for our sport and these volunteers are real champions of the game.
'My own rugby story began with an inspirational teacher who introduced me to rugby. It's brilliant to know that even more people will be inspired by these individuals and their ideas and initiatives that will help grow the game. From connecting communities and improving facilities through to improving education around women' s health and nutrition, it's wonderful to learn more about how each club will use the funds they have won. Congratulations to them all and I wish them well in the coming months and years to come.'