As you will all know, today marks our annual Ladies Lunch here at Petersfield RFC, and the 120 plus guests sitting down this afternoon at Penns Place is proof of just how popular this occasion has become.

The Ladies Lunch sells out every single year, and what an occasion it is. Over time, it has established itself as one of the standout dates in the club calendar. Inspirational speeches from our guest of honour, a glass of prosecco waiting for everyone on arrival, and absolute bedlam on the balcony once the whistle blows and the rugby gets underway have all become part of the day’s identity.

But what truly makes this occasion so special is what it represents.

Today is about celebrating the women who make this fantastic community at Petersfield RFC what it really is. The women who give their time, their energy, and their unwavering support to the club, often behind the scenes and without expectation of recognition. They are the organisers, the volunteers, the supporters, and the familiar faces who ensure weekends run as smoothly as possible.

This year feels even more significant. In 2026, we proudly welcome the long overdue return of women’s rugby to Petersfield RFC, more than 20 years since the club last fielded a women’s side. It is a milestone moment for the club and one that reflects the continued growth of the women’s and girls’ game.

The return of women’s rugby represents more than just a team taking to the pitch. It reflects the values that sit at the heart of Petersfield RFC. Community, inclusivity, and opportunity for all. It is about creating a club where everyone feels they belong, whether they are pulling on a shirt, standing on the touchline, or supporting from the clubhouse.

In the building today, to name just a few, we are joined by a table from our flourishing girls section, a table of ladies from our gym residents Gladiator Camp, and many more tables filled with club legends who have worked tirelessly over so many years to keep the cogs turning at this rugby club. Their presence under one roof perfectly captures the breadth of the Petersfield RFC community and the generations of commitment that have shaped it.

Today is also a reminder that clubs like ours are built on people. Not results. Not league tables. People. The women who support this club do so with pride, loyalty, and a deep sense of ownership. Their influence is felt in every corner of the ground, from the youngest age groups taking their first steps in rugby to the senior sides representing the club on a Saturday afternoon.

So today is a chance to pause, to reflect, and to say thank you. Thank you to the women who have shaped this club over the years and to those who will help lead it into the future. Petersfield RFC is stronger because of you, and today we raise a glass in your honour.