England Rugby Launches Nationwide Initiative to Support Women and Girls with Essential Sanitary Provisions in Clubs
In a pioneering effort to make rugby more inclusive for women and girls, England Rugby is now offering sanitary products at over 500 clubs across the UK, benefiting players, members, and visitors alike. This initiative is part of England Rugby’s broader Impact ’25 program, launched in conjunction with the upcoming 2025 Rugby World Cup, aiming to encourage more women and girls to join rugby by enhancing their experiences and opportunities in the sport.
The project addresses a significant barrier that many women face in sports: access to adequate sanitary products and facilities. Research from Women in Sport, funded by Sport England, reveals that 70% of teenage girls avoid physical activity while on their period, with 62% citing a fear of leakage as a key reason. Additionally, surveys show that providing sanitary items at sports venues ranks among the top priorities for female players, with half of respondents identifying it as critical for their comfort and participation.
In response, England Rugby’s Impact ’25 program has already delivered over 300 sanitary supply packages to clubs nationwide, and around 1,000 dispensers are being installed in rugby facilities across the country. These provisions come from the program’s £7 million facility investment fund, which also supports other improvements for women’s rugby facilities, including upgraded restrooms, modernized changing areas, and expanded social spaces.
The project aligns with England Rugby’s ‘Every Rose’ strategy, which aims to boost accessibility for women and girls in rugby and to increase the number of female players to 100,000 by 2027. Beyond the provision of sanitary products, England Rugby has developed a Women’s Health Toolkit to help clubs support female players. This resource is designed to educate clubs on addressing women’s health needs, breaking down cultural barriers, and fostering environments where women and girls feel encouraged to participate.
Red Roses Captain Marlie Packer expressed her support, noting that such simple provisions make a substantial difference: “Having sanitary bins and products readily available makes rugby clubs feel more inclusive. Now, when someone is caught off guard, they have access to what they need. It’s a fantastic initiative and demonstrates real progress for women’s rugby.”
With Impact ’25, England Rugby is taking a crucial step toward inclusivity in sports, creating welcoming spaces that help women and girls feel prepared, comfortable, and supported on and off the field.
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