Shrewsbury RUFC celebrated a major milestone for women’s rugby on Sunday 30 August 2026, as 39 women took to the pitch for an intrasquad passing-out match, with 14 of them making their debuts.
The match at Sundorne Castle marked the end of a successful six-week Inner Warrior programme, which introduced women to rugby and helped the club grow its women’s section so it can now field a whole new second team.
The summer programme ran alongside the first team’s pre-season training, giving new players the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of rugby, develop their skills and build confidence on the pitch.
The scale of the growth has also been reflected in the number of women getting their first taste of competitive rugby. In addition to the 14 debutants, a further 10 players made their first appearances in a match just last week (23.08.2026 – pre-season friendly, away, against Stafford RUFC Women).
For Sunday’s fixture, two squads were formed, the Shrewsbury Blues and Shrewsbury Reds, bringing together experienced players and new recruits. Seven players on each side made their rugby debuts, while team manager, Lorna Bramwell also got in on the action, subbing for an injured player.
The result demonstrated just how closely matched the two sides had become. The Reds claimed a narrow 22-20 victory, with the Blues pushing them all the way and having a chance to snatch the win with a last-minute penalty. The kick fell short, leaving just two points between the teams at the final whistle.
Jordan Bixley, captain of Shrewsbury RUFC’s women’s team, said:
“To have 39 women play and to be able to field two teams is something we can all be incredibly proud of. Seeing everyone come together, support one another and compete against each other was brilliant. We had injured players on the sidelines cheering on their peers, family and friends showing their support, and even a former player running the line as a touch judge official.
“I think the biggest win is seeing the progression and growth of all our players, experienced and new, in such a short space of time. Hopefully this is the start of something really exciting for women’s rugby at Shrewsbury.”
The programme was led by Shrewsbury RUFC Women’s head coach Rob Edison, alongside assistant coaches, Simon Wait and Abbi Evans.
Rob Edison, head coach for Shrewsbury RUFC Women, added:
“It was a fantastic way to finish the six-week programme. To have 39 women involved, including 14 making their rugby debuts, is a huge achievement.
“The match itself was brilliant. It was competitive, it went right down to the wire, and the Blues even had a chance to steal a win with that final penalty. The fact there was only a two-point difference on the scoreboard proves just how quickly our new players have developed over the summer, and that’s what matters most.
“With another 10 players making their debuts just last week, the progress we have seen across the squad has been fantastic.
“I am incredibly proud of them all, and excited to see the continued growth, strength and depth of women’s rugby at Shrewsbury RUFC.”
This year’s Inner Warrior programme is just one part of Shrewsbury RUFC’s ongoing commitment to growing women’s and girls’ rugby and creating opportunities for more women to discover the sport.
With support from club sponsor, Mortgage Advice Bureau, the successful recruitment drive has helped the club establish a second women’s team, providing further opportunities for players at different stages of their rugby journeys.
While the Reds may have walked away with the victory, the biggest win of the afternoon was seeing two competitive teams take to the pitch, with just two points separating them at the final whistle – including 14 women playing their first ever rugby match.
Feeling inspired? Shrewsbury RUFC Women continue to welcome new players, whether they have previous rugby experience or have never picked up a rugby ball before.
Training takes place every Monday and Wednesday, from 7pm-8.30pm at Shrewsbury RUFC, Uffington, Shrewsbury SY4 4RR.
Follow Shrewsbury RUFC Women’s progress on social media:
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