Hartpury University and Hartpury College students and staff have played a central role in the newly reinstated England Women’s Universities rugby programme – the first time it has been active in more than 20 years.
The programme, led by Andrew Ford, Senior Women’s Rugby Academy Manager at Hartpury, saw its return marked with a training camp in Aldershot last week, followed by a friendly fixture against the UK Armed Forces. England Students secured an emphatic 74–22 victory in the match.
A number of Hartpury students contributed both on and off the pitch:
- Ethan York (MRes Sport and Exercise Science) – Strength & Conditioning and Scrum Coach
- Players: Amy Dale (MSc Sports Coaching), Lola Whitley (BA (Hons) Sports Business Management), Zoe Dare (MSc Sports Management), Jorja Battishill (BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing), Eryn Sinckler-Bermingham (BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching), Mathilda Ryall (BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning), Charlie-Mai Manns (BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching), Tilly Smale (BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences)
In addition, current student Daisy Aspinall represented the UK Armed Forces as a reserve for the Royal Air Force team.
Andrew Ford, who took the helm as Head Coach for the revived programme, said: “It’s a huge honour to lead the return of England Women’s Universities after such a long break. The camp and the fixture provided a fantastic opportunity for our players and staff to showcase their skills, and I’m immensely proud of the Hartpury contingent for the impact they made both on and off the field.”
Hartpury University and Hartpury College have a long-standing reputation for producing elite rugby talent through its world-class facilities, expert coaching, and strong links to the national and international game. The involvement of so many students in this landmark occasion highlights Hartpury’s commitment to developing the next generation of rugby talent, both as players and in specialist support roles.
