Claudia congratulates Truro on investing in women and girls
England and Exeter Chiefs wing Claudia MacDonald sent a congratulatory message to Truro RFC as they made sure they are ready for an upsurge of women and girls when England hosts the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
They have prepared for more growth with newly opened changing room facilities providing a secure, modern, and RFU-approved environment for all female players during a packed and busy day at the club. And they’ve added a covered stand so that supporters can enjoy matches whatever the weather.
An RFU grant of £100,000 from the Impact 25 facility fund, supported by a £100,000 loan, went towards the overall £418,000 development. And supporting their plans for growth in women and girls' rugby, the RFU Impact initiative helped with a £5,000 toilets update to serve female players.
A hub for women’s rugby
“We're ready to welcome and nurture new talent, making our club a central hub for women's rugby as we look forward to the World Cup, fostering a bright future for the game,” says Steve Nicholls, club volunteer co-ordinator and project lead for the changing room development.
One of Cornwall’s oldest rugby clubs, formed in 1884, Truro currently field senior 1st XV, 2nd XV, colts, youth for U7s to U16s, girls' rugby for U13s, U15s and U18s, ladies and touch rugby teams.
This was their ladies team’s first year in NC3 South West (West) as they finished mid table and had six squad members representing Cornwall in the Gill Burns Division 2 cup. They are continuing to grow numbers, as is the league with nine teams now competing, and are entering the Women’s 23/24 Papa Johns Community Cup Competition.
The club’s Tigresses girls’ section has, in the four years since starting, grown to be a powerful force in Cornish rugby. At every age group, more players turn up to try and then fall in love with rugby, coached by a very qualified team that ensures every player feels valued, capable and part of something unique. Their approach is 'individual, team, results' in that order as they support each other and the development of all, which has seen 17 of the 23 Cornwall U18s coming from Truro and ten of the U16 Cornwall DPP squad. The Exeter Chiefs Centre of Excellence squad involved eight from the club and three Tigresses were recently selected for the England pathway.
All of this positivity and progress was highlighted when the new facilities officially opened in October with a busy Inner Warrior camp enjoyed by existing members and new players, an U12s minis festival and a women’s match against Sidmouth all seeing the new changing room and physio room facilities really making a difference.
Solid foundation for expected surge of interest
“Our club has been steadily growing, and we're proud to have some 575 members, with a notable increase in our girls, ladies, and youth teams,” says Steve. “We're excited about this progress and dedicated to building on it year after year. We also look forward to welcoming more of our local community, encouraging them to experience the wonderful benefits of being part of our rugby club. It's all about sharing the love of the game and nurturing a sense of belonging within our friendly club environment.
“The addition of six new changing rooms and a physio room, along with a new covered stand, holds immense promise for our club and the local community in the years ahead. These improvements are not just infrastructure upgrades, they signify a commitment to player wellbeing and fan experience.”
“The covered stand offers a dry and secure space for spectators to enjoy all forms of the game, regardless of the weather. It creates a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere and matchday experience for our fans. It's a significant step forward in promoting the club's role as a community hub and a place where everyone can share the joy of the sport.
“The timing of these improvements sees us providing a solid foundation for the expected surge of interest in women's rugby, particularly as England hosts the World Cup in 2025. We're ready to welcome and nurture new talent, making our club a central hub for women's rugby as we look forward to the World Cup fostering a bright future for the game.”
The positive progress and new facilities are also testament to the remarkable guidance and enthusiasm provided by club chair, Carl Price, who “shaped the essence of our club, ensuring its growth and success” and who recently died from cancer. Truro held a moment’s silence before their match against Wellington Rugby Club paying tribute to Carl whose “leadership and vision worked to create an environment where friendships thrived, and players and members stood a better chance of maximising their potential.”
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