Women’s rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and we want to make sure all girls across the North West have the opportunity to take up rugby with our Girls Tackle Rugby programme.
Girls Tackle Rugby was developed to challenge stereotypes, create opportunities, and inspire the next generation of girls to play rugby.
Targeting girls in Years 7 to 9 (aged 11-14 years), the programme is delivered through curriculum-based sessions led by elite female players from Sale Sharks Women. It aims to provide high-quality coaching that develops rugby skills, physical literacy, confidence, resilience, and wellbeing.
By embedding rugby within the school environment and connecting girls with professional players, Girls Tackle Rugby aims to make rugby an accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable option that supports the growth of the female game.
Our programme reaches more than 1,000 girls in North West secondary schools annually, creating a lasting impact on participation and visibility.
Delivery begins with direct coaching for girls in Year 7 or 8, introducing them to the sport in a fun, inclusive, and empowering way. Sessions are led by positive female role models, all of whom have elite Rugby Union playing experience, helping to inspire confidence and ambition.
Alongside this, we work closely with school staff to upskill teachers, enabling them to continue delivering rugby in Years 8 and 9. This ensures the sport becomes embedded within the school environment—not just as a one-off experience, but as a sustainable and accessible pathway for girls to enjoy and progress in rugby.
We commissioned Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport to evaluate the impact of the programme:
- Perceptions of Rugby: 97% of girls reported a more positive perception of rugby
- GTR Coaches: 97% of girls described the Girls Tackle Rugby Coaches as inspiring practitioners
- Confidence: 88% of girls reported feeling more confident
- Physical Literacy: 20% increase in the girls’ overall physical literacy score
You can read the full Insight Report here.
For further information about the Girls Tackle Rugby programme, please email India Perris-Redding.