Fri 27 Feb 2026 22:34
Yesterday, the future of York rugby met the pinnacle of the sport. York RI was proud to host a massive youth festival where the guest of honour was none other than the Women’s Rugby World Cup Trophy.
Fresh from the Red Roses’ historic World Cup victory, the trophy served as the centerpiece for a day that saw over 200 students from across the region take to the pitch. This incredible event was made possible through the combined support of our delivery partners at White Rose Rugby, the RFU’s Impact '25 programme, and the Health Trainer Team at City of York Council.
A Morning of Elite Talent
The morning session belonged to the secondary schools. We were delighted to welcome female athletes from:
St Peter’s, Manor School, The Mount, Joseph Rowntree, and Fulford.
These players took part in the high-speed T1Rugby format. The presence of the World Cup trophy provided the ultimate motivation, with many players taking a trophy selfie to commemorate the day they stood with the best in the world.
Primary School Takeover
In the afternoon, the energy shifted as we welcomed nearly a dozen primary schools, including Acomb, Poppleton Road, Knavesmire, St Paul’s, St Wilfreds, Hob Moor, and Westfield PS. Guided by our coaching team—Tom, Jake, Ari, Freddie, Andy, Matt, Nige and Leon—hundreds of children learned the basic skills of rugby - pass backwards, run forwards. For many, this was their first taste of rugby, and doing so in the presence of the trophy the Red Roses lifted just last year made it an unforgettable introduction to the sport.
Small Club, World-Class Ambition
While we hosted a world-class trophy and some of the biggest schools in the area, York RI remains a developing, community based grassroots club, and are looking to kick off a teams at Years 3&4, and boost our numbers on our year Years 5 & 6 group. These teams are open to boys and girls and will provide a pathway from non-contact versions of rugby through to contact in the older years.
Inspired by the Red Roses - the club has an aspiration to open teams for secondry school girls - we are activily recruiting coaches- so watch this space.
Join the Journey
Want to see what the buzz is about? We want to see you on the pitch!
We are currently recruiting new players of all abilities for our Years 3 - 6 teams. Whether you want to be the next world champion or just want to make some new friends, there is a jersey waiting for you.
Years 3-4 - TBC - Contact us now!!
Years 5-6 - Sunday 9.30am
New Ln, Acomb, York YO24 4NT
Speak to Andy on 07718899944 or email yorkriyouthrugby@gmail.com
A huge thank you to the teachers, our partners at White Rose Rugby, the RFU, and the City of York Council. The trophy has moved on, but the legacy stays here in York.
Fresh from the Red Roses’ historic World Cup victory, the trophy served as the centerpiece for a day that saw over 200 students from across the region take to the pitch. This incredible event was made possible through the combined support of our delivery partners at White Rose Rugby, the RFU’s Impact '25 programme, and the Health Trainer Team at City of York Council.
A Morning of Elite Talent
The morning session belonged to the secondary schools. We were delighted to welcome female athletes from:
St Peter’s, Manor School, The Mount, Joseph Rowntree, and Fulford.
These players took part in the high-speed T1Rugby format. The presence of the World Cup trophy provided the ultimate motivation, with many players taking a trophy selfie to commemorate the day they stood with the best in the world.
Primary School Takeover
In the afternoon, the energy shifted as we welcomed nearly a dozen primary schools, including Acomb, Poppleton Road, Knavesmire, St Paul’s, St Wilfreds, Hob Moor, and Westfield PS. Guided by our coaching team—Tom, Jake, Ari, Freddie, Andy, Matt, Nige and Leon—hundreds of children learned the basic skills of rugby - pass backwards, run forwards. For many, this was their first taste of rugby, and doing so in the presence of the trophy the Red Roses lifted just last year made it an unforgettable introduction to the sport.
Small Club, World-Class Ambition
While we hosted a world-class trophy and some of the biggest schools in the area, York RI remains a developing, community based grassroots club, and are looking to kick off a teams at Years 3&4, and boost our numbers on our year Years 5 & 6 group. These teams are open to boys and girls and will provide a pathway from non-contact versions of rugby through to contact in the older years.
Inspired by the Red Roses - the club has an aspiration to open teams for secondry school girls - we are activily recruiting coaches- so watch this space.
Join the Journey
Want to see what the buzz is about? We want to see you on the pitch!
We are currently recruiting new players of all abilities for our Years 3 - 6 teams. Whether you want to be the next world champion or just want to make some new friends, there is a jersey waiting for you.
Years 3-4 - TBC - Contact us now!!
Years 5-6 - Sunday 9.30am
New Ln, Acomb, York YO24 4NT
Speak to Andy on 07718899944 or email yorkriyouthrugby@gmail.com
A huge thank you to the teachers, our partners at White Rose Rugby, the RFU, and the City of York Council. The trophy has moved on, but the legacy stays here in York.
