We have been speaking to coaches, players, and supporters from local rugby clubs, to start exploring the stories and experiences of those involved in Women’s Rugby, across Sussex. Is the World Cup buzz trickling down to smaller teams? Are more girls picking up a rugby ball for the first time? What challenges are women and girls facing now – are they the same as 20 years ago, or have things changed? What we’ve been hearing is powerful.
For many, rugby isn’t just a sport, it’s a lifeline – a place for connection, confidence, and community. It’s helped shape body image, support mental wellbeing and create friendships that go far beyond the pitch. Time and again, we’ve heard that rugby offers a place for everyone. The selected images and sound bites included here offer a small glimpse into some of the incredible conversations we have had.
This pilot project has been made possible with support from the Sporting Heritage Community Grant. We would also like to thank Rob Williams, Claire Purdy, Ali Donnelly, Valentina Avella, Lindsey Costello and Cardinal Newman College’s Photography Academy and U18 Girl’s Rugby Team.
Claire Purdy played for England between 2005 – 2014. She played at club level for Wasps and talks about when she stepped out on the pitch with them against a formidable Richmond. Read the transcript
Image courtesy of Claire Purdy
Romilly plays rugby at Cardinal Newman College and talks about why she started playing rugby and what she loves about the game. Read the transcript
Rob Williams played rugby for Lewes men for 25 years. He turned to coaching in 2017. Having coached women’s rugby at grassroots level, he discusses his concerns for the game. Read the transcript
Image credit © Danny Simpson
Kim plays for Cardinal Newman College and talks about her role models in the game of women’s rugby. Read the transcript
Valentina Avella played for Italy 25 times, including the 2002 Rugby World Cup. She talks of her early experience as a young player in the 90s and explains why rugby provides good lessons for life. Read the transcript
Image courtesy of Jody East
Georgie plays for Cardinal Newman College. She talks about how body image influenced her decision to stop dancing and how her Dad convinced her to try rugby. Read the transcript
Laura plays for Cardinal Newman College and talks about how being part of the team has enabled her to overcome challenges and grow confidence in the game. Read the transcript
Lindsey Costello played rugby at Chichester University and Chichester WRC. In 1999 she and one other set up Sussex U16’s to give girls opportunities that perhaps she missed out on. Read the transcript
Image courtesty of Lindsey Costello
Image credit Nick Creaser
Katie plays for Cardinal Newman College. Here she talks about her Mum, recognising her as a positive role model and her contribution to the games, from the sidelines. Read the transcript
Maia plays for Cardinal Newman College. Maia talks about her role models in the game, including her Dad, and how she plays to make him proud. Read the transcript
Ali Donnelly is the author of Scrum Queens, a book borne out of her website scrumqueens.com. She now works in Corporate Affairs for the RFU and told us what she hopes will be next after the World Cup. Read the transcript
Image courtesy of Ali Donnelly
Image credit Leo Wilkinson
Lottie plays for Cardinal Newman College and talks about joy, friendships and connection being the main motivations behind her choosing to play rugby. Read the transcript
Belle plays for Cardinal Newman College and talks about the stereotypes and stigma that female rugby players have to contend with and overcome. Read the transcript
Marcelina plays for Cardinal Newman College. Marcelina tells us why her team mate Milo is one of her rolemodels in the sport. Read the transcript
Agathe plays for Cardinal Newman College and tells us what she loves about playing rugby. Read the transcript
