RICHMOND WOMEN RFC

Richmond Women

In 1985, Richmond Athletic Ground hosted the first women’s rugby union International fixture between Great Britain and France.  As a direct result in 1986, Richmond Women’s Rugby Club was formed when members of Finchley WRFC, the first club side in England, were offered the opportunity to establish a new women’s rugby club at Richmond FC.

Richmond WRFC rapidly became the largest women’s club in the world, regularly fielding a 1st XV, 2nd XV and 3rd XV playing in weekly league fixtures. In 1987 Richmond WRFC and Wasps Ladies were the first women’s clubs to play at Twickenham in the WRFC Cup Final. In 1991 four members of Richmond WRFC created and organised the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup in Cardiff.

Richmond WRFC has enjoyed considerable success over the years winning 26 League and Cup titles, 6 National Sevens wins and 4 European Championships.  Between 2010 and 2012, they won three consecutive League titles.

Richmond Women are the current Premiership champions – a title they have won a record breaking 9 times.

Head Coach – Brett Taylor

A former Northampton Saints professional rugby player, Brett  joins the reigning Premiership and National Cup champions and will lead a new look coaching team for the forthcoming 2016/17 season.

Brett is an RFU Level 4 Coach and brings a wealth of coaching and leadership experience to the club. He previously headed the Northampton Saints Academy and was backs coach for the US Eagles. In addition he has held the role of Director of Rugby at both Richmond FC and London Scottish.

Brett said: ‘I am honoured to be offered the role of Head Coach of Richmond Women and truly excited by the challenge ahead.  I have been really impressed with the women’s attitude at training during preseason and am delighted to be a part of this committed and passionate team.

‘Richmond is a great club, with a long and successfully history, and I look forward to working with everyone here and ensuring Richmond’s place at the forefront of rugby development in the women’s game.’

As the only team in the country with three competitive women’s teams, Brett will lead a team of six coaches, aiming to develop and empower players from beginner to elite level.