AFTER a three-year wait, senior women’s rugby returns to Worcester.

Since 2017 Worcester Warriors have run the only senior women’s rugby in the city.

Now though, the professional and amateur neighbours are linking up that will provide a pathway for women from mini & junior rugby all the way through to senior rugby.

Steve Lloyd, chairman of Worcester RFC said “We’re delighted to announce that for the 2020/21 season, the women are back and senior women’s rugby is back at Weston’s Field.

"This is the final piece in our all-inclusive approach to community rugby, complementing our Mixed Ability & IGR teams. We can’t wait to see them run out & do what they do best.”

The team’s coaching set up will be comprised of some upcoming coaches & some familiar faces under the stewardship of club Director of Rugby Niall Crawford.

- Womens Lead; Head of Womens Development at Worcester Warriors, Benny Williams

- Head Coach; Current Worcester Warriors Centre of Excellence Coach, Mark French.

- Forwards/Defence Coach; Current Worcester Warriors player, Akina Gondwe.

- Forwards Assistant Coach; Scotland’s most capper player, Donna Kennedy.

- Scrum Consultant; Former Scotland & Worcester player, Tracy Balmer.

Head Coach Mark French said: “I’m so excited to be involved in the restart of the women’s team at Worcester RFC.

"There is a rich history of women’s rugby at the club and I’m glad we have the opportunity to continue that.

Women’s lead Benny Williams added: “Our vision as a section is to grow all aspects of women’s rugby. As part of that vision we will be involved in Worcester Warriors’ ‘Warrior Pathway’, which will allow girls that aspire to play at the top level an opportunity to get noticed.

"With the disbanding of the Premier 15s Development League it will also allow those players to continue to play rugby within Worcester.

"We will have some players who will be looking to develop into the top flight at Warriors, some players that will be looking to improve and play local rugby as well as some women that want to pick up a rugby ball for the first time. They’re all welcome at Worcester RFC."

The club is currently awaiting news from the RFU on which league they’ll be competing in.

Williams added: “We’ll train Monday nights at Worcester RFC & welcome players of all abilities.

"When the season has a start date we will also be training on Thursday evenings. We have a great set up here at the club so even if you’ve never played before, Worcester RFC have a pathway to get you upskilled and playing at a level you’re comfortable at."

For more information please contact Benny Williams on Worcesterwomenrfc@gmail.com