NTU Women's Rugby Union

NTU Sport Intros: Women’s Rugby Union

Continuing our partnership this week with Nottingham Trent University’s sports clubs, today we hear from NTU Women’s Rugby Union and why you should join.

This follows what we heard from the club’s male counterparts yesterday, and some big developments in rugby union at NTU this year.

Last year, NTU Women’s Rugby Union had a standout year with success in several areas.

With aims to go even further this year, we catch up with the club to hear what’s in the works…

Q: Who are your key committee members?

A: President: Etilly Pigg

Secretary: Emily Jacobs

Treasurer: Nancy Wood

Marketing & Communications Officer: Aoife Magee

Social & Wellbeing Officers: Libbi Gavins & Megan Kelly

Contacts for club info include:

Email: N0802369@my.ntu.ac.uk

Instagram: @ntuwrfu

Facebook: NTU Women’s Rugby Union

Twitter: @ntuwrfu

NTU Women's Rugby Union
All smiles: NTU Women’s Rugby Union’s meetings with the University of Nottingham always bring the best out of both teams.

Q: How many teams do you have?

A: Two teams.

1st team in BUCS Midlands 1A league

2nd team in BUCS Midlands 3A league

Q: When and where do you play?

A: We train from 7-9pm on Mondays at West Bridgford RFC.

We play BUCS league and cup games every Wednesday at home and away locations, including West Bridgford RFC & Clifton pitches.

Away games are to other university campuses in the Midlands.

Strength & Conditioning training is on Thursdays, with times yet to be confirmed (will be posted on social medias when finalised).

NTU Women's Rugby Union
Coach Pierre Byworth and Seren Pepperall watch from the sidelines during the Varsity match in May.

Q: What did you achieve in 2021-22?

A: – 2021/22 BUCS Midlands Conference Cup Winners

– 21/22 BUCS Midlands 2A League Winners

– Recently promoted to the BUCS Midlands 1A League for the 2022/23 season

Q: What are your main aims for this year?

A: Secure a club sponsorship.

Rank highly and stay in 1A league.

Win 22/23 BUCS Midlands Conference Cup.

Grow our 2s squad.

Q: If you had to sum up what you offer to members in three words, what would it be?

A: “Crouch, Touch, Engage” (scrum call).

Support, Community, Inclusivity.

NTU Women's Rugby Union
Pink and blue army: NTU are followed passionately by supporters during all games, so even if you’re not playing this season, why not cheer the teams on?

Q: Anything else you’d like to add?

A: We have plenty of player success stories.

Those on our former 1st team panel include current Leicester Tigers player Olivia Chantrey, and previous Loughborough Lightening RFC and Wasps RFC players, respectively, Ruby Richardson and Seren Pepperell.

In addition, we have current Nottinghamshire, Leicester & Derbyshire County players Aoife Magee, Poppy Lacey, Etilly Pigg, Rosie Dance, Emily Gallivan, Olivia Chantrey and Seren Pepperell.

NTUWRFU is both a social and competitive club.

We host social events to include players of all ambition.

We also partner with multiple Nottinghamshire-based charities, including Tracy’s Street Kitchen and Three Little Birds, to raise funds through voluntary events and support their worthy causes.

NTU Women's Rugby Union
Last hurrah: Varsity marks the end of most teams’ seasons, and the opportunity to say goodbye to many final-year students before they graduate.

So there you go, an impressive proposition, right?

With two teams and completed mixed training, where members can decide for themselves which squad they want to go into, the club prides itself on giving all members the opportunity to train and improve their skills.

There’s even the chance to take part in Varsity 2023 with the club, where they face a tough University of Nottingham team each year.

NTU Women’s Rugby Union will be available at City Freshers Fair this Thursday (22nd Sept) at the Student Union, where you can find even more information on the club.

Joining fees are £124 for new students and £99 for returning students. More information on membership can be found on the dedicated NTU Women’s Rugby Union page here.

All photos courtesy of Kristie Lamb.

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