A WORLD Cup winner inspired the next generation of female rugby players during a visit to a club in Coventry.
Jade delivers a Q&A session to Barkers Butts RFC Girls players. Picture by Nick Browning / www.nickbimages.com
Jade Shekells from England’s Red Roses visited Barkers Butts RFC – and was wowed by the club’s opportunities for women’s and girls’ rugby.
She was joined by England Women’s Performance Manager Charlie Hayter, and Coventry North West MP Taiwo Owatemi.
The trio visited the club on its Mini Festival day, where around 800 youngsters from U7 to U12 from across the UK came together to play rugby.
During her visit Jade signed shirts, balls, flags, boots and water bottles, and hosted a Q&A with girls from Barkers Butts and Keresley RFC.
Freya Southwell, who plays in the back row for Barkers’ U16 Girls team, said: “I can’t believe I’ve met a World Cup winner at my club. I loved watching her on TV and now she’s here talking to us!”
Jade Shekells and England Women’s Performance Manager Charlie Hayter with girls from Barkers Butts RFC and Keresley RFC. Picture by Nick Browning / www.nickbimages.com
Taiwo Owatemi said: “I was truly inspired by my visit to Barkers’ Butts Rugby Football Club, especially seeing the fantastic opportunities being created for girls in sport.
“Meeting Jade Shekells, a shining example of female talent and determination, fresh from her success with the Red Roses, reinforced just how important it is to support and invest in girls’ participation at every level.
“Grassroots clubs like Barkers’ Butts are vital in breaking down barriers and ensuring young girls in Coventry North West have the chance to thrive in rugby and beyond.
“It’s about building confidence, teamwork, and opening doors to new opportunities, and I’m proud to see our community leading the way.”
Barkers Butts, based just outside Coventry, has been offering men’s rugby for almost 75 years, producing World Cup winner Neil Back and England stalwarts Danny Grewcock and Tom Woods, among others.
The club started offering a pathway for girls’ rugby eight years ago and it has gone from strength to strength.
The section now includes more than 100 girls in teams from U10s to U18s, and a women’s team who have been playing league rugby for two seasons. Two girls from the team have gone on to represent England at U18 and U20 levels.
