Pitch perfect: Football meets rugby in Exeter’s Strive ‘25 takeover

Exeter City Community Trust, the charitable arm of Exeter City Football Club, is stepping into a new sport as it joins a major national initiative to grow women’s rugby in the city ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

The organisation, which is more used to the beautiful game than the oval ball, is joining with Exeter Chiefs and Exeter City Council as the delivery partner for the Strive ‘25 Rugby Challenge, a national programme aimed at engaging 25,000 women and girls in rugby across host cities. Exeter is one of only eight UK cities which are hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

The focus of the Strive ‘25 Rugby Challenge, which is an RFU initiative, is to engage women aged 16+ who have never previously considered rugby, offering an introduction through T1 Rugby, which is a fun, accessible and non-contact version of the game. Sessions will be delivered in community settings across Exeter including parks, leisure centres and workplaces, with a strong focus on inclusivity, confidence building and friendship.

And the Exeter City Community Trust team delivered a sample rugby session to members of WI in the City – the city centre Women’s Institute group.

Laura Evans, Project Lead at Exeter City Community Trust, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring the Strive ‘25 Rugby Challenge to Exeter. While our roots are in football, our mission is about improving lives through physical activity – and this project gives us a powerful way to engage more women in a welcoming, accessible version of rugby.”

Sessions will take place across the city in priority communities including Wonford, Beacon Heath, Exwick and the city centre. The Trust will work in partnership with local rugby clubs, Exeter College, the University of Exeter, Age UK and many more to deliver a wide range of opportunities – from walking rugby and workplace teams to festival-style pop-ups and taster events.

As well as creating new playing opportunities, the project will also focus on building a sustainable legacy for women’s rugby in the city, by developing coaching pathways, strengthening club links and encouraging women to continue playing – whether recreationally or through a local rugby club.

Cllr Duncan Wood, Exeter City Council’s Lead for Leisure Services and Healthy Living, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for rugby in Exeter. We’re proud to be one of the host cities helping to grow the game for women and girls. Through collaboration with local clubs and community organisations, we’ll ensure T1 Rugby is not only fun and accessible, but also part of a long-term, sustainable offer.”

The Strive ‘25 Rugby Challenge is part of the wider Host City Impact Programme for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 and supports Exeter’s ambition to grow female participation in sport and activity. Exeter City Council and Exeter Chiefs will also play a role in supporting delivery through fan zone activities, events, and promotions during the tournament, which will see seven matches played at Sandy Park.

T1 Rugby is a new, non-contact format designed to overcome barriers and introduce new players to the sport in a safe, social and supportive environment.

Sessions are planned over the summer in locations across the city, including Summerway Park, Heavitree Park, Cowick Barton Playing Fields and Belmont Park. For more information, visit: www.exetercct.org/strive25/