Chiswick Girls Rugby Team Inspired by Red Roses

Facilities upgrade has given additional momentum to participation

Minis training at Chiswick Rugby

August 26, 2025

Young rugby players in Chiswick are drawing inspiration from England’s Red Roses as they compete in the Rugby World Cup.

Chiswick Rugby Club has seen a significant rise in female engagement over the past two years, with women and girls now making up between 30% and 40% of players and spectators on a weekly basis. The club attributes this growth to a focused strategy aimed at creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.

A key development in this strategy was the installation of new self-contained changing rooms, which enabled the club to successfully apply for a British Airways Social Spaces Grant. The grant, part of a wider initiative to support female sport—particularly rugby—through improved facilities, allowed the club to accelerate the creation of a dedicated space for its growing girls’ programme.

The club’s efforts to promote girls’ participation in the sport is gaining wider attention. The rapid completion of the new facilities led to Chiswick Rugby being selected for a feature in The Standard’s ‘Hidden London’ series, showcasing grassroots efforts to expand access to sport across the capital.

The club says the atmosphere at training and matches is more enjoyable

Central to the club’s progress is its Under-12 Girls team, which has grown from a standing start to a core group of 15 to 16 players. Andrew Lee, Head of Sporting Development, explained in a recent video how the team was formed and how its members have been motivated by the achievements of the Red Roses. Players such as Marlie Packer and Ellie Kildunne were cited by the girls as key influences in their decision to take up the sport.

The club continues to build on its commitment to girls’ and women’s rugby, with support from parents, coaches, and volunteers helping to sustain momentum. Organisers say the atmosphere at matches and training sessions has become noticeably more enjoyable and inclusive for all attendees.

Chiswick Rugby Juniors on tour

As the Rugby World Cup continues, Chiswick’s young players are not only watching their heroes on the international stage but also carving out their own path in the sport.