Youth Girls Selected for County and ERDPP

Celebrating Ironsides Youth Girls shining in County Rugby!

Three athletes from our Ironsides Youth Girls have been selected for the County Rugby squad and England Rugby Development Player Pathways (ERDPP).

The girls and our coaches share thoughts on their Ironsides journey - how it began, what they think about the club and their progression to representative positions!  

Nathalie (U16 Ironsides and Surrey)

I started Rugby in Y10, as an U15 player, by attending a taster session in the summer. My brothers had played rugby at Ironsides before, so it was all familiar.

Rugby immediately clicked and, as many can recall, I threw my whole persona into it, despite barely knowing the game. I regularly enjoyed myself and came back each Sunday for more excitement. The consistent rush and fun of rugby keeps me playing.

Rugby as a sport is probably the most team involved sport, and having a team at Ironsides keeps me competing to the best I can every time.  Interacting and supporting the younger teams really brings to life the meaning of a friendly and supportive rugby club and it is great to have a community outside of school that everyone really enjoys.

Isabella (U18 Ironsides and Middlesex)

I began playing touch rugby at the beginning of 2022 and was selected to train with England U18 girls. Shortly after, I moved and was introduced to 7s. I played 7s that year but now, after moving back home, I began to play rugby Union (my favorite so far).

The girls and coaches are so supportive and kind and have guided me every step of the way. I love the adrenaline and the freedom you get from rugby. The whole of the rugby community is vastly different from all the other sports I played before because I am in a supportive team where everyone shares the same passion for the sport as I do.

I have settled in really well at Ironsides and every one of my team mates has taught me something new and has helped me get out of my comfort zone. Ironsides has allowed me to solidify my knowledge about the sport, whilst enjoying every step.

I have even been given the opportunity to train with the Women, which has been so insightful and really helped me improve my technique and confidence. I am excited to see where rugby takes me and am so grateful for the opportunities I have been given so far.

Azzura (U16 Ironsides and Middlesex)

I started playing rugby at the age of 7, however I always wished to play even before that as I looked up to my older brother because he played rugby at Ironsides.

I love how strong the sport makes you feel, it is a one of a kind and not like any other sport. The contact is brilliant and each training session gets you excited for the upcoming matches. Women’s rugby has grown and will continue to grow, and I am proud to be part of it.

I play rugby because I believe it is a sport for everyone, the Ironsides community is amazing and super welcoming to everyone.

Amy (Youth Girls Head Coach)

Our youth girls section has exponentially grown over the past few years, and our new county representatives have been at the heart of this growth. Bella, Nat and Azzura’s dedication and love for rugby is contagious and inspires their teammates and the wider youth girls squad.  

I am so proud of each of the girls and what they have achieved this season, during both their club and county representation. Their commitment and talent has not gone unrecognised and I am delighted that they have achieved county selection as a result. It is also testament to the work of our volunteer coaches, Claude Rolland, Alan Tierney, Fiona Sutherland and Robyn Beese – who have all had an impact on the girl’s rugby journeys.

The County programmes are a great opportunity for our Youth girls to excel in a different rugby environment and learn even more about the sport we all love. Playing in a County jersey is such a privilege and, on behalf of the whole Youth girls section, I wish each of them all the best for their appearances in Middlesex and Surrey colours!