When the Red Roses stormed onto the pitch last Saturday, the roar of the crowd was more than an applause - it was a powerful reminder to thousands of young girls watching, including those training for Petersfield RFC: you belong here too.

Women’s rugby is experiencing great momentum, where record-breaking crowds have already started to become the new normal. 81,885 attended the truly historic finale at Twickenham on Saturday, with a total television audience of 12 million. The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup was marked as the most-watched women’s rugby union match ever on UK television.

National heroines can inspire, but it is at the grassroots where dreams take shape. Petersfield RFC is starting to be renowned as a place where such dreams are nurtured.

In just over a week, we will see a historic moment for Petersfield RFC, as the senior women’s squad takes to the field for the first time in over two decades in their season opener against Littlehampton. What started as an idea back in January has rapidly flourished into reality with thirty players now registered with the club and another eight training regularly, taking the size of our womens team to 38 players.

This return is more than just a team launch; it’s a statement of the club’s dedication to inclusivity, development and the future of rugby. With a thriving girls’ section already established, the introduction of a senior women’s side now paves a complete pathway from minis through to adult rugby.

The club’s ethos isn’t just about teaching rugby skills; it’s about building a community where women and young girls feel welcome. Petersfield has recently reignited its investment in growing its women’s and girls’ rugby programme, creating opportunities for complete beginners as well as seasoned players. Training sessions are structured to be inclusive, fun and supportive, with great emphasis on teamwork and confidence as much as technique.

Speaking to some of the players at their media day last week, many shared that girls’ rugby has given them an opportunity they couldn’t find anywhere else.

“When I started playing for Petersfield, I was playing with a whole team of boys, but it meant a lot when I knew I could transition to playing with a team of girls.”

“I started playing rugby in Denmark. I got to a point where I couldn’t play anymore because there were no girls’ teams for me to progress into. But when I came back to Petersfield, I realised I could play girls’ rugby, and it made me really happy.”

The club’s commitment to building pathways is paying off, as young players from Petersfield are striving to showcase their skillset at a county or international level.

“I hope to see some of the Petersfield girls playing for Hampshire or England, as some of our girls were scouted for the Hampshire trials, which is amazing.”

*Since writing this article, we have proudly announced the Hampshire call ups for our Under 16 players Alice, Fifi, Margot and Poppy who will spend the season playing for both club and county

At Petersfield RFC, this movement is alive and thriving. What began as a handful of determined girls training together has grown into a vibrant, full team.

“When I first joined there were only four of us, and now we have a full team, full subs, and maybe more. It’s so amazing, and every time I play it reminds me what a great group of girls we have.”

Rugby at Petersfield was summed up in three words: fun, supportive, and friendship. It’s a space where confidence grows.

“Girls’ rugby has made me more confident and helped me get out of my shell more. I’m no longer afraid to show my skills.”

This sense of empowerment is central to Petersfield’s success. Many of the players talk about how being part of the team has shaped them - not only as players, but as people:

“Petersfield RFC is special because it helps so many girls get into rugby. It helps because you are in a team with girls that go to your school and even girls that don’t, so it’s widening your social circle whilst doing something you love.”

This echoing sense of growth extends into the wider community. Through the incredible support of Maddy’s Mark, Petersfield RFC has been able to offer our entire girls section a special edition training top for a heavily discounted price.

Speaking to Co-Founder Simon Lawrence about the charity, he said:

“We are trying to get to as many schools, particularly schools that don’t have the opportunity that certain schools would have, and get rugby to young women and girls. To create the chance to learn the values of rugby, teamwork and community, in order to bring girls together.”

The message to anyone thinking about trying rugby is clear:

“Do it! I attended the girls’ ‘bring a friend day’ and ever since I’ve not stopped — it’s been amazing!”

The Red Roses and their international peers are building a space to be seen and heard.

“I think what is so special about women in sport is that women back women, it’s so powerful... women are going to take over and I can’t wait to be a part of it,” says Ellie Kildunne.

And Meg Jones sums it up simply:

“Women’s sport is on a high. So let’s keep it there.”

Fundamentally, it’s the ignition of something lasting. The Red Roses’ success has shown that women’s rugby is not just a sport, it’s a community of empowerment, resilience and joy.

“It’s so amazing to see a women’s rugby team grow, because for under-16s and below, we have the opportunity to keep playing.”

As Petersfield RFC continues to grow, it is clear that the spirit of rugby runs deep here. The Red Roses inspire on the world stage, while grassroots clubs like Petersfield give that inspiration a home.

Together, they are changing the story of women’s rugby, making it not just a sport to watch, but a movement to join and enjoy.

The next generation of players is already lacing up their boots, driven by heroines in white shirts and red bows, and supported by communities that believe in them.

With every match and every training session, women’s rugby is building towards a future that is not only strong, but unstoppable.

Interested in Womens or Girls rugby? contact us here to find out how you can get involved.