Former England Women’s captain Katy Daley-Mclean says there’s no better time for women and girls to give rugby a go.
The Rugby World Cup winner is encouraging girls 11 years old and over to head down to Minchinhampton Rugby on Sunday, May 23 at 11.30am for a free Warrior Camp taster session to see if rugby’s for you.
The Red Roses legend reckons the booming success of England Rugby’s Allianz Inner Warrior programme can blaze a trail in nurturing female talent as lockdown restrictions ease.
The Red Roses made it three Six Nations Championship titles on the spin at Twickenham Stoop last weekend and Daley-Mclean hopes it can inspire women to get down to their local Warrior Camp.
Allianz Inner Warrior is a series of fun, social fitness camps for women all over the country and former England fly-half Daley-Mclean, who racked up 116 caps and lifted the World Cup in 2014, believes the Red Roses’ success can provide a shot in the arm for the campaign to introduce women and girls to rugby.
“Allianz Inner Warrior is a fantastic campaign – not just for people who’ve played rugby but for a new person who might have an interest in the game.
“It’s the benefits of rugby all rolled into one – the option to meet new people, go out and socialise and be active. For me, they’re all the things I’ve loved about being part of the game.
“They’re a great opportunity to run around, get fit, play a different game and discover the social side of rugby – as well as all its physical benefits.”
As lockdown restrictions are lifted, Warrior Camps provide the perfect way to get active and boost endorphins after being cooped up at home for months.
The relaxed environment and clear emphasis on having fun with your teammates makes Warrior Camps truly unique, providing a fun and safe environment for women to learn different skills and take on a new challenge.
Over 150 local rugby clubs around the country – a record – have signed up to host a Warrior Camp in May, including Minch RFC
Daley-Mclean, who still stars for Sale Sharks in the Allianz Premier 15s, says the programme is a gamechanger and Warrior Camps around the country can be a breeding ground for new talent.
“In the future, this is where you’ll find the talent and next stars of the game – in camps like this, where people start going down with their friends and picking up an appetite for rugby,” she added.
“It’s what’s going to get women and young girls into the game – it’s easy, sociable and fun. It’s a win-win – you’re getting people active and outside, and you’re getting people into the game. It’s a brilliant campaign.”
So pop along to Minchinhampton RFC next Sunday, where you will receive a warm welcome and the fabulous opportunity to receive some fantastic coaching from qualified coaches and some special guests.
Visit EnglandRugby.com/innerwarrior for more information.
