In advance of last week’s Red Roses clash between England and Wales Women at The Stoop, a group of girls from our Project Rugby sessions delivered in Hounslow had the chance to show off their skills in a joint training session and game against a team from Bath Rugby Foundation.

In the game, both teams were able to put into practice the skills learnt in their Project Rugby sessions, as well as those learnt with the local clubs that some of the girls have transitioned into playing for.

The teams, wearing their Harlequins and Bath strips respectively, then made up a guard of honour as the England and Wales teams made their way out onto the pitch. They made another appearance as the played on the pitch at half-time in front of around 11,000 fans at The Stoop.

Harpinder, one of the girl’s parents, said: “What an amazing day, it was so special to play in front of 11,000 people, it is something that will stay with the girls for life.”

James Collins-Clark, Development Officer for The Harlequins Foundation, said: “It was such an incredible feeling being able to let the girls from our Project Rugby programme experience a day like today.

“A lot of them would never of thought that it would be possible to play rugby let alone play on a big stage such as The Stoop alongside the England and Wales women’s teams.

“I want to thank Bath and The Bath Foundation for travelling across to have a joint training session and to play in our first Premiership Project Rugby fixture.”

Curtis Arber, Bath Rugby Foundation Coach, said:‘’Coming across to The Stoop was a fantastic opportunity for our participants. Being able to play in a fixture against a fellow Project Rugby group was great for their confidence and to run out at half time, was an experience they will all remember.’’

‘’Being apart of the guard of honour, flag waving and just to watch the Red Rosses was amazing. It was an inspirational day for all involved’’

Check out some of our highlights of the day!