York RI Women’s Rugby World Cup Trophy Event

In partnership with York City Council, York RI Rugby Club and the RFU 

Overview 

In February 2026, White Rose Coaching supported York City Council and York RI Rugby Club in delivering a Women’s Rugby World Cup Community Rugby Trophy Tour event, giving local schools the opportunity to engage with rugby in an exciting and memorable way. 

The event formed part of the official Community Rugby Trophy Tour, which is travelling across the country from 15 February to 11 April, replicating the journey of the tournament beginning in the North and finishing at Allianz Stadium. 

With the Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy in attendance, pupils were able to experience a unique moment in the build-up to the tournament while participating in rugby activities designed to be inclusive, fun, and accessible. 

 

The Event 

Held at York RI Rugby Club, the event welcomed pupils from local schools for a day focused on participation, learning, and celebration of the women’s game. 

Working alongside partners, White Rose coaches helped deliver a T1 Rugby participation festival, introducing students to a non-contact format of rugby designed to maximise engagement and enjoyment. 

Throughout the day, pupils were able to: 

• Take part in T1 Rugby matches and skill stations 

• Learn about the game through the World Rugby Passport framework 

• Engage with coaches and leaders from across the rugby community 

• See and take photos with the Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy 

The event created a fantastic atmosphere, with pupils experiencing rugby in a supportive and exciting environment while connecting with the wider rugby community. 

 

 

What is T1 Rugby? 

T1 Rugby is a non-contact format of the game designed to make rugby accessible for all abilities and backgrounds. 

It focuses on: 

• Movement and decision-making 

• Inclusive participation 

• Simple rules that allow everyone to play 

This format makes it ideal for schools and festivals, helping introduce young people to rugby in a safe and enjoyable way. 

 

Impact 

The event successfully: 

• Increased awareness and excitement around the Women’s Rugby World Cup 

• Engaged young people in accessible forms of rugby 

• Strengthened partnerships between schools, community organisations, and rugby clubs 

• Created a memorable sporting experience for pupils across the York area 

Events like this play an important role in growing the women’s and girls’ game, inspiring the next generation of players and supporters. 

What Partners Said: 

York City Council. “City of York Council is proud to work in partnership with White Rose Rugby to broaden access to rugby across the city. Their strong relationships with local schools and inclusive approach make a real difference in engaging children and young people who may never have considered rugby before. The recent Schools T1 Rugby Festival is a great example of what can be achieved when we work together – creating positive experiences, growing confidence, and opening new opportunities for young people in York”- Donna Allan, York City Council, Sports Development Officer 

 

 

“It was a truly fantastic experience, especially for girls who have had very little introduction to the sport. They returned full of excitement and enthusiasm, buzzing about rugby and eager to be involved in it more, even asking for more opportunities to play during PE” Nicole Marshall, The Mount School, PE Teacher 

“It was a brilliant afternoon and fantastic that so many children got to experience rugby. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Thanks for all your amazing work organising it. The guys from York RI that I came across were brilliant too and so patient with the children as they ran / threw the wrong way, scored tries over the other team’s line etc” Karen Boardman, Pathfinders Trust, Business Support Officer.  

 

We’ve worked closely with White Rose Rugby throughout the build-up and delivery of the activities around the Women’s Rugby World Cup. As a small club, with a limited volunteer base, we have previously struggled to get a foothold for our junior offering to become established.  WRR has played a supportive role in the planning and delivery of events, working alongside us, and at many points, acting on our behalf. They have facilitated sessions in local school and festivals hosted at the club. All these sessions have been well planned, appropriate to the participants and well delivered. The team are friendly, easy to work with and have a confidence in their approach which has built a credibility amongst the participants, parents and schools, and we hope can work as partners to develop further in the future. Andy McCarthy, York RI Rugby Club, Chairman 

RFU Representative- “I worked with Tom and the White Rose Rugby team on the schools’ festivals as part of the Community Rugby Trophy Tour. White Rose Rugby was great in the lead up to the event and on the day itself. They delivered a high quality, fun and engaging event for the schools attending, which fantastic feedback from the players, teachers and parents attending. Several players expressed an interest in playing again and visiting the local club. which is exactly what we were hoping for and that was largely due to Tom and the team’s professionalism and expertise. Andy Martin Project Manager- the Community Rugby Trophy Tour.

 

Looking Ahead 

White Rose Coaching remains committed to creating opportunities for young people to experience rugby, develop confidence, and enjoy sport in inclusive environments.