STAFF and students from Hartpury University and Hartpury College played a central role in the newly reinstated England Women’s Universities rugby programme, the first time it has been active in more than twenty years.

The programme, led by Andrew Ford, Senior Women’s Rugby Academy Manager at Hartpury, saw its return marked with a training camp last week, followed by a friendly fixture against the UK Armed Forces. England Students secured an emphatic 74–22 win in the match.

Hartpury students contributed both on and off the pitch. Ethan York was Strength, Conditioning and Scrum Coach, while the players included Amy Dale, Lola Whitley, Zoe Dare, Jorja Battishill, Eryn Sinckler-Bermingham, Mathilda Ryall, Charlie-Mai Manns, and Tilly Smale. Daisy Aspinall represented the UK Armed Forces as a reserve for the Royal Air Force team.

Andrew Ford, 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 said it has 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.

A Hartpury spokesperson said: “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.”

The involved students came from a range of different programmes at the academic provider. These subjects included BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences, BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching, BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning, BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing, and MSc Sports Coaching.