York RI RUFC

York RI RUFC

By York RI RUFC

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 ma