The game will be a particularly significant affair for Glenda and Rachel Fleming who have both been named on the squad despite only playing the game for a short period of time.

After attending an open day at the North West Institute of Further and Higher Education last September (2006), Glenda put her name forward to then North West Ulster Branch CRDO Lyndon Jones, expressing a keen interest to play rugby.  She then attended a taster session run by Lyndon and from that her rugby career has blossomed. 

Glenda seen here in action during a game between UUM and NWI

City of Derry RFC were at that same time keen to get a women’s team up and running, so Glenda and Rodney Balfour, Women’s rep from the club teamed up to get the ball rolling.  After printing off posters and putting them up throughout the city, along with local press coverage, City Of Derry started a women’s team attracting 36 girls on the first night.  Women’s rugby at the club has continued to grow ever since as Rodney comments “We are seeing great numbers turning out every week.  We have a core number of 18-19 seniors and 16 beginners have just started.  It seems to be a popular sport in the area and every week we see new faces, we are doing well for only 5 months on the go.  Long may it last!!” 

Rachel was also keen to start playing rugby and first took up the game at Foyle and Londonderry College where Lyndon started up girl’s rugby.  She was part of the team who got to the girls schools cup final last year and which won this years girls schools cup.  She also currently plays for City of Derry.

Rachel Fleming accepting the prize on behalf of the team when Foyle and Londonderry College won the Girls Schools Cup earlier this year

A combination of hard work by club coaches, natural talent and the help of the Ulster Branch Community Rugby Development Programme has meant that both girls have now been called up to the Ulster Women’s Senior Squad. his is a prime example of the value of the Community Rugby Programme which is currently being run through the IRFU (Ulster Branch) thanks to funding from DCAL and Sport NI.  The links that the development officers provide between the clubs, schools and colleges of further and higher education in the Province has meant that participation numbers in rugby have increased significantly, especially in the women’s game.  The Girls Schools Cup is becoming more popular and competitive each year and the season ahead sees a big push by the development officers to get more girls involved in rugby at schools, clubs and colleges level.

For more information on the work of the Community Rugby Programme, and to find out who your local CRDO is, please contact Paula Gunn: paula@ulsterrugby.com or you can find more information by clicking here. We wish Glenda, Rachel and all the Ulster Women’s team good luck for Saturday.  The match kicks off at 2.30pm at Ravenhill and all support is welcome.  Please note that there is a charge for entry to the game with adult tickets at £5 and kids at £2.

In an ironic turn of events Lyndon Jones who has recently started working with the Connacht Branch is now coaching Connacht ladies!!  This is a game not to be missed so why not come along to cheer on the girls at Ravenhill.