A women’s team based barely a mile from the home of English rugby in Twickenham is combining sporting success with inspiring female players.
St Mary’s University women’s rugby union club compete in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) competitions and have made a big impact in recent years.
While they have enjoyed success on the field, the players are still having to face down challenges such as countering outdated stereotypes off it, but the team are proud to be flying the flag for women in rugby.
St Mary’s player Tiffany Davids said: “Unique challenges that I have faced as a woman playing in a sport that is male dominated is the older generation laughing and questioning if we play like the boys.
“I have watched this sport from birth due to my dad.
“He encouraged me to join and start playing and I carried on, as being part of a team and working together is the best part.
“The female empowerment has really grown over the years and is carrying on growing, and it’s amazing to see.”
Overseen by president Ella Dempster, St Mary’s have celebrated many remarkable achievements.
Those include getting to the semi-finals of the BUCS Cup, ranking in the top four consecutively in the South Eastern Tier One league and winning the annual varsity match against Brunel University.
St Mary’s player Sophie Baker said: “Overall, our team performs very well.
“We have good competition in our league, which pushes us.
“I believe there are some games which we could’ve won if we had our strongest team out on the field.
“Unfortunately, external factors such as injuries didn’t allow this.”
Baker came to rugby out of a desire to try something new, in a sport where she could be more physical and take her anger out on the field.
Other players, like Mariella McLean, grew up in a rugby-playing household but have found it has brought them fulfilment in more than just a sporting sense.
McLean said: “[I] Chose [rugby] because I found it most enjoyable and developed strong friendships from it.
“Women’s rugby at St Mary’s is good.
“I love playing and there is a lot of support on matchdays as well as many role models within the team.”
Women’s rugby union in England is on the rise, particularly with the success of the national team on the global stage and the Women’s Rugby World Cup coming to these shores next year.
The players of St Mary’s are determined to keep pushing back against the naysayers and encourage others to get involved in the sport as well.
Lily Fletcher said: “Show those who doubt us how it’s done.
“Use the negativity to feed your motivation and don’t let anyone’s thoughts or feelings stop you from being you.”
Picture credit: St Mary’s University women’s rugby union team
