Back-to-back wins for Activate Rugby Academy Girls

Activate Learning is celebrating the success of its Rugby Academy’s Girls’ Programme, following two championship titles in as many weeks.  

The Activate Rugby Academy Girls’ Programme were crowned champions at both the Association of Colleges’ (AoC) U18 Premier Play Off Final and the Howden Rossyln Park National School Sevens tournament.

The AoC title was secured after a steady run of successful games over recent months, the final a close victory, 24-22, against Hartpury College on Wednesday 18 March at Stourbridge RFC grounds.

The Rossyln Park final, also against Hartpury, was an even tighter call last week (24/03), with a final score of 15-10 after the game went into overtime.

Molly Cann, first-year at City of Oxford College and University Centre, and vice-captain of the 7s squad, scored the winning ‘golden’ try.

Molly was also named Limitless Kit’s ‘Player of the Tournament’ following a consistently strong showing throughout the day and was presented with her winning shirt by former England international and Harlequins player, Shaunagh Brown.

Head Coach of the girls’ programme at Activate Learning, Oli Wilson, said: “We’re immensely proud of what we’ve achieved this season. It’s a testament to how far the programme has developed since its inception five years ago.

“There have been significant changes over the past 18 months, all of which have strengthened the vision and impact of the Activate Girls Rugby ACE Programme.

“This year alone, 11 of our players have been selected for the England U18 camp, an outstanding achievement that reflects both individual talent and the strength of the programme.

“Winning these two titles against strong, well-established rugby colleges demonstrates that we can compete with the very best. We’re excited to build on this success and see what we can achieve next season.”

The girls’ programme also secured sixth place in the U18s ACE League, narrowly missing out to Oaklands College, 31-32.

Activate Rugby Academy currently train at Harcourt Hill Campus, Oxford, with academy links to Ealing Trailfinders and Brunel University on the girls’ side, and Gloucester Rugby on the boys’.

The girls’ programme will be represented at the U18 Six Nations over the Easter break, with Summer Smith, Lotte Peirsegaele and Hannah Foley playing for England.

ENDS