Across the UK, women are encountering significant barriers to joining rugby clubs, despite the sport’s rapidly growing popularity among female athletes. With only 115 female-only rugby clubs currently registered with the Rugby Football Union (RFU), many women are struggling to find local teams that cater specifically to their needs.
The demand for women’s rugby has surged in recent years, with participation increasing by 25% since 2019, according to RFU data. However, the lack of dedicated female-only clubs has left numerous women without access to training facilities, competitive matches, and a supportive community tailored to their requirements. The issue is particularly acute in rural areas, where resources and infrastructure are often limited.
Rising Demand for Women-Only Rugby Clubs
The number of women playing rugby in the UK has surged by 38% since 2017, but the lack of female-only clubs is hindering further growth. According to the Rugby Football Union (RFU), over 35,000 women now play the sport, yet only 12% of affiliated clubs are women-only.
Many women face long commutes or early morning training sessions to access female-only facilities. A survey by Women’s Rugby World revealed that 68% of female players travel over 30 minutes to train, with 22% travelling more than an hour.
Dr. Karen Cox, a sports sociologist at the University of Chichester, highlights the issue. “The lack of women-only clubs creates barriers to participation. Many women prefer environments where they can train and socialise without gender-related pressures.”
Some mixed clubs have introduced women-only training sessions, but this is not a universal solution. The RFU’s Women and Girls Rugby Strategy aims to increase the number of female players to 50,000 by 2025, but the lack of dedicated clubs remains a significant obstacle.
In response, grassroots initiatives are emerging. The newly formed Women’s Rugby Club Network is working to establish more female-only clubs, with 15 new clubs registered in the past year. However, more investment and support are needed to meet the growing demand.
Limited Female Rugby Facilities Spark Concerns
The growth of women’s rugby in the UK is outpacing the development of dedicated facilities, leaving many players struggling to find suitable clubs. According to the Rugby Football Union (RFU), female participation has increased by 37% since 2016, yet only 18% of affiliated clubs have women’s sections.
A lack of female-only changing rooms and training spaces is a significant barrier. The Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation reports that 42% of women cite inadequate facilities as a reason for not participating in sports. “It’s frustrating when you have to change in a portacabin or shared space,” says Sarah Hunter, England’s women’s rugby captain.
Some clubs are taking matters into their own hands. In 2019, Saracens launched a £5 million redevelopment to include female-specific facilities. “We wanted to create an environment where women feel valued and comfortable,” said a club spokesperson. However, such initiatives are not yet widespread.
The RFU acknowledges the issue and has pledged £1 million to improve facilities. “We’re committed to growing the game for everyone,” said an RFU spokesperson. Yet, with women’s rugby continuing to grow rapidly, the need for more dedicated spaces is urgent.
Female Rugby Players Face Club Shortages
Female rugby players across the UK are facing a shortage of clubs catering exclusively to women, despite the sport’s growing popularity. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) reports a 35% increase in women playing rugby since 2016, yet many female players struggle to find suitable clubs.
The lack of female-only clubs forces many women to join mixed teams, which can deter new players. “It can be intimidating for women to join a club where they’re vastly outnumbered,” says Sarah Hunter, England’s women’s rugby captain. She highlights the need for more female-focused environments to encourage growth.
In some regions, the shortage is severe. The North West of England has only 12 female-only clubs, serving over 3,000 registered female players. This disparity leaves many women without access to dedicated facilities and coaching.
The RFU acknowledges the issue and is working to address it. “We’re investing in grassroots development to create more opportunities for women,” says Steve Grainger, RFU’s professional rugby director. However, progress is slow, and many players feel the need for faster action.
Some clubs have taken matters into their own hands, forming women’s sections independently. But without formal support, these initiatives often struggle to sustain themselves. The demand for more female-only clubs is clear, but the supply remains insufficient to meet the growing interest in women’s rugby.
Growth of Women's Rugby Outpaces Club Availability
The rapid growth of women’s rugby in the UK is outpacing the availability of female-only clubs, creating a significant barrier for new and existing players.
According to the RFU, the number of women and girls playing rugby union has increased by 35% since 2018. However, many are struggling to find clubs that cater specifically to their needs.
A survey by Women’s Rugby World found that 42% of female players had difficulty locating a nearby female-only club. This scarcity is particularly acute in certain regions, with some counties having no dedicated women’s teams at all.
“Many women are still forced to train and play in mixed environments, which can be intimidating and discouraging,” said Sarah Jones, a spokesperson for the Women’s Rugby Championship.
The lack of female-only clubs is not just a convenience issue. It also impacts the development of the sport at a grassroots level. Without dedicated facilities and coaching, it is challenging to nurture new talent and retain existing players.
Some clubs have begun to address this issue by creating women’s sections. However, the pace of change is slow, and many areas remain underserved.
The RFU has acknowledged the problem and is working on initiatives to increase the number of female-only clubs. But for now, the gap between the sport’s growth and infrastructure remains a pressing concern.
Call for More Female-Exclusive Rugby Training Grounds
The number of women playing rugby in the UK has surged by 38% in the last five years, yet the availability of female-exclusive training grounds remains severely limited. According to the Rugby Football Union (RFU), there are only 12 dedicated women’s rugby clubs in England, a figure that has not significantly increased despite the sport’s growing popularity.
The lack of female-only facilities is a major barrier to participation, says Sarah Hunter, England’s women’s rugby captain. “Many women feel uncomfortable training alongside men, especially when changing or during contact sessions,” she explains. The RFU reports that 42% of women surveyed cited access to female-only spaces as a key factor in their decision to join or leave a club.
Local councils are struggling to meet the demand for more female-exclusive rugby pitches. A Freedom of Information request revealed that only 15% of council-owned sports facilities have dedicated women’s changing rooms. “We’re working to address this, but funding and space are significant challenges,” admits a spokesperson for Sport England.
The RFU has pledged £1 million to develop more women-friendly rugby facilities by 2025. However, critics argue this falls short of what is needed. “We need urgent action to prevent women from being priced out or discouraged from playing,” says Dr. Emma Sherry, a sports sociologist at the University of Birmingham. Without more female-only spaces, the growth of women’s rugby risks stalling.
The demand for more women’s rugby clubs reflects the sport’s growing popularity among female athletes. With participation rates rising, the need for dedicated facilities and coaching programs has become increasingly apparent. Rugby’s inclusive nature and the camaraderie it fosters continue to attract new players, driving the sport’s expansion.
The RFU’s commitment to developing women’s rugby is evident in its investment in grassroots programs and elite pathways. As more women take up the sport, the infrastructure must evolve to support their growth. The future of women’s rugby in England looks promising, with a clear focus on sustainability and inclusivity.
