Royal London Opens Applications for £40,000 Women & Girls Rugby Award

Royal London has opened applications for its 2026 Championing Women and Girls’ Grassroots Rugby Award, with £40,000 available to support clubs across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Now in its third year, the initiative recognises grassroots rugby clubs that are making a significant impact in growing participation, inclusion and opportunities for women and girls within their communities. Four winning clubs – one from each Home Union – will each receive a £10,000 grant alongside a commemorative trophy.

The award forms part of Royal London’s partnership as Founding Partner of the British & Irish Lions Women’s team and continues the organisation’s commitment to supporting the long-term growth of the women’s game.

Clubs applying for the award will need to demonstrate their commitment to developing women’s and girls’ rugby through initiatives such as community outreach programmes, promoting equality across club activities, celebrating achievements, and creating pathways for players, coaches, volunteers and leaders to progress within the game.

Applications are open until midday on Monday 20 July 2026 through the Lions website.

Interest in the award has continued to grow, with more than 250 clubs applying in 2025, almost double the number received the previous year. Previous winners include Lancaster Lionesses, Buccaneers RFC, Greenock Wanderers RFC and Ynysddu BG RFC, joining an earlier group of successful clubs that featured Guisborough RUFC, Cooke RFC, East Kilbride RFC and Clwb Rygbi Caernarfon.

To date, Royal London has invested £80,000 into grassroots rugby clubs through the programme, with this year’s awards increasing that total to £120,000.

The announcement comes at a time when women’s rugby continues to enjoy unprecedented growth. Record crowds were recorded during the most recent Women’s Six Nations, while the success of the Red Roses and increasing visibility of women’s sport has helped inspire more women and girls to get involved at community level.

Speaking about the award, Royal London’s Group Chief Marketing Officer, Susie Logan, said the organisation remains committed to helping women and girls thrive both on and off the rugby field.

She said: “The rise of women’s sport is fantastic to see, and we want to ensure more women and girls have the opportunity to take part in grassroots rugby across the UK and Ireland.

“This award shines a light on the incredible work being done by clubs in their communities and provides support that can help them achieve even more. By recognising and rewarding these initiatives, we can help maintain the momentum and continue growing the game for future generations.”

Applications for the 2026 Championing Women and Girls’ Grassroots Rugby Award close at 12pm on Monday 20 July 2026. Click here to find out more.