Raising the profile of women’s rugby in Glasgow one step at a time

Putting aside their usual Sunday sporting rivalries, a group of players from the women’s game in Glasgow instead joined forces last weekend to raise the profile of the women’s rugby across the city.

The 13.5 mile walk, organised by Katie Murdoch from Hillhead Jordanhill RFC, stopped off at four Glasgow based rugby clubs, each of which host a women’s team, before concluding outside Scotland Women’s home ground, Scotstoun Stadium.

Katie had been inspired to organise the walk having seen a similar initiative take place in Edinburgh, coordinated by Broughton RFC back in December 2020.

“After seeing the women in Edinburgh doing a similar activity, I wanted to bring the players in Glasgow together after having over a year apart,” said Katie.

“I’m so glad that everyone was up for taking part. It was brilliant that we could put our strips on again and get to catch up with the other teams we play against.”

“I really hope that anyone who saw us out along our 13.5 mile stretch yesterday or reads this story can see that women’s rugby is an inclusive, welcoming community.”
Katie Murdoch, Hillhead Jordanhill

The route, which started at West of Scotland Rugby Club, was covered by 35 different participants and followed all public health guidance.

Amongst those taking part was Rebecca Mains, Vice Captain to Cartha Queen’s Park 1XV.

Rebecca said she was motivated to get involved to showcase that rugby is a sport for girls and women, not just men, saying: “Rugby still has this stigma about being a men’s game. I’ve been playing this sport a long time and when people find out I play they’re always surprised because it’s not a stereotypical answer. I want that to change. The more women we can get on that pitch, the better!

“There are so many great teams in the Glasgow area with opportunities to play at all different levels out of all different clubs. There’s no shortage of talent in any of these teams and to any girl or woman thinking about getting involved, I bet you won’t regret it.

“Yesterday’s walk was a great way to get to know women from the different clubs, plus being able to get our kit on and see our team mates on a Sunday felt like a bit of normality. The sunshine definitely helped too!”

Scottish Rugby’s Regional Director for Glasgow North, Pete Burgon praised the clubs involved saying:

“I would like to congratulate all of the participants from Sunday’s awareness walk. To see representatives from every women’s club in Glasgow take part is fantastic, particularly during a time in which full contact rugby cannot yet be played. It sounds like it was a great day of bonding and camaraderie.

“Today (Monday 17 May) adults can start to play touch rugby again, which is a really fantastic step forward in the Return to Rugby. There’s never been a better time to pick up a rugby ball and give it a try.”

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