The collaborative agreement will enable the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é rugby pathway to increase the playing standard and the opportunities it provides for University students in the local community.
The sharing of best practice, both on and off the field, will ensure that Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é Town are best prepared to be competitive in the Championship, whilst aspiring Lightning players are provided with additional playing opportunities.
The partnership will also provide a support mechanism for Championship players who aspire to play in the Premiership.
Rhys Edwards, Lightning Head Coach and Director of Rugby at Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é said:
“I’m extremely excited that we have managed to create a closer working relationship with Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é Town RFC following the creation of Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é Lightning three years ago.
“Lightning has become one of the most competitive teams in the Premiership. We not only focus on performance on the field but also how we can support players to be the best they can be by providing opportunities for aspirational players to play top-level rugby whilst completing a high-level degree at the University.
“This partnership will allow us to continue to provide a complete rugby pathway for all players from 16 years + and provide them with the appropriate level on their rugby journey.”
Guy Wood, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é Town RFC Chair added:
“The partnership between Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é RFC Women’s rugby and the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é Lightning rugby squad offers all players a great opportunity to develop a strong team, which will hopefully challenge for a top place finish in next seasons Championship.
“It will also encourage young women to take up the game, giving them the opportunity to ultimately join this venture”
Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é Town RFC Captain and former Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é student Danni Solly also said:
“The new partnership between Lightning and Town is a great step forward for women’s rugby in Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é. It will provide a clear pathway and many opportunities for players to develop whatever their playing experience or ability.”
Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é Lightning is the number one women's Premiership rugby side in the East Midlands and competes in the Women’s Premier 15s.
Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é RFC Women’s, based at Derby Road in Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é, are one of the top clubs in Championship 1 North League, one level down from the Women Premier 15s.
Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é RFC Women’s team has been supporting the university students play rugby since the early 1990s and have continued this support to the present day, with a number of the current Lightning Squad having also played for Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é Town.