Bringing Communities Together: WIs and Rugby Clubs
As part of the Impact 25 initiative, rugby clubs across the country are opening their doors to local WI groups, creating welcoming spaces for members to meet, learn and connect. Funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Impact ’25 is investing in rugby to encourage more women and girls to get involved in the sport, and partnerships with WIs are playing a big part in that.
More than 40 rugby clubs have already teamed up with their local WI, hosting everything from film clubs and monthly meetings to fitness sessions and walking rugby. These collaborations help women who may never have stepped inside a rugby club before discover new opportunities, whether that’s taking part in sport, attending a social event, or simply enjoying a new community space.
With great digital facilities, plenty of room and a friendly atmosphere, rugby clubs also make brilliant venues for virtual Annual Meeting screenings, learning sessions, and easy access to the WI Learning Hub. Together, WIs and rugby clubs are showing how shared spaces can make activities more inclusive, accessible and enjoyable, while helping clubs strengthen their community roots.
Explore our case studies to see how these partnerships are bringing learning and local communities to life.
Discover how local WIs came together at Banbury Rugby Club for a screening of the virtual Annual Meeting and see how members can team up with rugby clubs to take advantage of their great digital facilities, comfy refreshments, and spacious grounds. Our video showcases how using a club as a venue can boost in-person meetings and online access to the WI Learning Hub. It’s a friendly and inviting look at bringing learning to life in a fresh, community-centred way.
One Bus, One Rugby Club & Endless Opportunities
Ann Mitchell led a brilliant community event at Driffield RFC, where a mobile classroom became the hub for friendship and collaboration. Refugee women, members of the Driffield Afternoon WI and the local high school girls’ rugby team came together to share stories, ideas and sweet treats, thanks to support from East Riding Council and the Humberside Learning Consortium. More than just a meet-and-greet, the session sparked conversations about shared resources and future projects like walking rugby and new conversation cafés.
Celebrating Friendship, Community & Creativity – Through Ezra’s Lens
What happens when you bring together inspiring women, a welcoming rugby club, and a budding media student? A whole lot of laughter, connection, and one fantastic video!
We’re delighted to share a short film created by Esraa, a talented young member of our Friendship and Collaboration group (formerly Conversation Café). Esraa is currently studying media at college, and we’re incredibly proud to support her as she hones her skills behind the camera.
The video captures a recent “Mix and Mingle” event hosted at Driffield Rugby Club, where members of Sewerby WI, the Driffield ladies’ rugby team, their families, and our Friendship and Collaboration group came together for an afternoon of fun, food and meaningful connection. With children playing, conversations flowing, and new friendships forming, Esraa saw the perfect opportunity to turn the moment into something special. With her camera in hand and creativity in full flow, she’s given us a joyful glimpse into what community spirit truly looks like.
Shared by Sewerby WI, East Yorkshire Federation
One of the club’s involved in the collaboration, Amesbury Rugby Club, has already noticed the positive impacts of the work with the WI. Club president Duncan Souster said: “I think rugby clubs need to be able to show that there is more than just the game available to the community.
“We’ve got this wonderful example of somebody who had never heard of us and came along to an activity in the summer, thoroughly enjoyed it and is now volunteering for us.” Volunteer Jo Sinclair explained: “I first came to Amesbury Rugby Club because my friend shared a post on Facebook regarding a fitness class on a Wednesday night. “I love it and my way of saying thank you is to volunteer.”
