England Students Women’s Rugby Returns in Time for a Monumental Year

After a decade-long hiatus, England’s university rugby scene is set to make a big comeback with the relaunch of the England Students Women’s programme. Originally running from the mid-1990s until 2005, the team had been a key stepping stone for future stars of the game—including Tamara Taylor, Heather Fisher, and Karen Jones.

Now, with women’s rugby enjoying exponential growth both nationally and internationally, the Students Rugby Football Union (SRFU) has teamed up with partners across the sport to reintroduce the programme and put a spotlight back on the immense talent coming through England’s higher education system.

A Comeback in a Landmark Year

The timing couldn’t be better. With the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 set to be hosted on home soil later this year, the re-establishment of the student squad offers a perfect platform for emerging talent to shine.

“I am absolutely thrilled to share the re-launching of the student women’s programme,” said Katy Storie, former England international, SRFU Trustee, and RFU Council Member. “Especially in a World Cup year, it’s a chance to showcase the significant level of commitment, passion, and talent we have within the university sector.”

The programme’s return is backed by strong partnerships with PWR (Premiership Women’s Rugby), BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport), and the RFU (Rugby Football Union). The goal: to identify top-tier talent and give them competitive fixtures against elite-level teams like the UK Armed Forces—with sights set on even broader international matchups in the future.

A Fixture to Mark the Return

To mark the relaunch, a major fixture is already on the calendar. From August 3rd to 9th, 2025, the England Students Women’s team will be hosted by the UK Armed Forces Women’s Rugby squad—a team comprised of players from the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force.

This match will act as a crucial warm-up for the Women’s International Defence Rugby Competition, which is also being held in England ahead of the World Cup.

“We’re looking forward to the level of competition this game will bring,” added Storie. “It’s not just a match—it’s a statement. We want to raise aspirations within the university game and show just how impactful this pathway can be.”

Talks are also underway for an exciting men’s and women’s student doubleheader against French university teams—a promising sign of the international ambition tied to this relaunch.

Building for the Future

For those behind the programme, this revival is about much more than a single fixture or a symbolic return. It’s about building a long-term, sustainable pathway for young female athletes to reach the top level of the sport.

“This is not just about one match,” said Shaunagh Brown, former England international and SRFU Trustee. “It’s about creating sustainable pathways for young women in rugby. With the World Cup just around the corner, this moment highlights the strength of talent in the student game and the vital role universities play in developing elite athletes.”

Brown continued: “This relaunch is a testament to the dedication of the student rugby community. It shows how far women’s rugby has come—and how much further we’re ready to go.”

Get Involved

The SRFU has announced that recruitment for key staff roles to support the new programme will begin soon. For those passionate about the women’s game and the development of student athletes, this represents a unique opportunity to be part of something special.

As England prepares to host the world’s best in rugby later this year, the return of the England Students Women’s team is more than timely—it’s essential.