Plan for England mixed ability women's rugby team

Elsie-May said playing rugby made her feel happy

Worcester Rugby Club is aiming to form the first England mixed ability women's team within two years.

Following the Red Roses' World Cup triumph, the club said now was the perfect time to create a national side.

"Our aim is to launch the Midlands mixed ability side this season, followed by the first England women's team by 2027," said coach James Phipps.

Mixed ability rugby allows players with and without disabilities and additional needs to play alongside each other.

"It's fun and I like being with my friends," said 17-year-old Elsie-May.

"Sometimes it's difficult for students at special schools to make friends out of school," said her dad David, who started playing rugby at Worcester as a mini junior.

"The rugby is helping Elsie-May to grow and mature and she loves the social side."

"We didn't know if she'd carry on when it got dark and muddy but she enjoys being outdoors.

Worcester's men and women competed in the 2025 mixed ability World Cup in Spain

Mixed ability rugby is a social game designed for players of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds, including people with additional needs, those returning from injury, and adults trying rugby for the first time.

Mr Phipps said: "We have players aged from 17 to 57. It's never too late to pick up a rugby ball and have a go."

"It's about developing people, and creating friendships and bonds, as well as the sport."

"You can play full-contact or touch, whatever makes you feel comfortable," said Worcester RFC's director of rugby Gavin Vickers.

"Now is the perfect time with more women and girls playing the game and the huge crowds we've seen at the World Cup."

James Phipps and Gavin Vickers want to launch the England side at Worcester

Worcester launched the first women's mixed ability team in England in 2022, and there are now teams in Ledbury, Bath, and Yeovil.

This summer, the International Mixed Ability Rugby Tournament (IMART) World Cup took place in Pamplona, Spain.

"Our women's team made it to the semi-finals before being knocked out by Wales, and the men got through to the quarter finals," said Mr Phipps.

"We are now asking for support from the RFU to create a Midlands and England side."

"It's the perfect time for us to be ambitious and get the word out to as many people as possible."

Coach Kim Morris said everybody who wanted to play could join in

"Mixed ability rugby is an amazing sport. You don't just learn skills, you make friends and build a support network," said coach Kim Morris.

"It's for all body types, we encourage people to discover what their strength is and use that to their advantage."