Harlequins Reveals Womens & Girls Strategy

06 Jun 2016 | tshego

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Harlequins has announced a new relationship with Aylesford Bulls Ladies rugby team, which will see the London club grow its involvement in the women’s game.

The relationship will see the rugby union side work with Aylesford’s Women’s Premiership team from the 2016/17 season and will form part of Harlequins’ women and girls strategy developed with Harlequins Ameteurs.

The strategy focuses on growing the number of participants in the women’s game at every level and establishing player pathways from grassroots through to the Premiership. Developing the women’s game is a key element of Harlequins’ five-year strategy as the club looks to expand the game into new markets.

To deliver the programmes, Harlequins will work with Gary Street and Karen Findlay who will support the delivery of the women and girls strategy. Street is an experienced coach who led England Women’s Rugby World Cup glory in 2014 and was named coach of the year at the UK coaching awards, whilst Findlay is a former Scotland and Richmond head coach who led her side to a record fifth Premiership title.

Harlequins Academy and global development director Tony Diprose said: “Growing women and girls rugby is integral to our strategy as we move forward and is a key element in ensuring we maintain focus on our ambition to be the best rugby club in Europe.

“Both Gary and Karen have excellent track records in developing players and their extensive knowledge of the women’s game at both domestic and international level means we have the best people overseeing this area for us. We are very much looking forward to welcoming them on board.”

Gary Street added: “I am extremely excited to be part of this fantastic new venture and be part of Harlequins, a strong rugby brand. I have been really impressed with the support from the club and I am sure their professionalism and input will continue to enhance and improve women’s rugby in England. It is a fresh new challenge for me and I am looking forward to it immensely.”

Findlay commented: “I am wholly committed to and passionate about continuing to do all I can to contribute to the growth of the women’s game. Together we will ensure the delivery of an environment which will enable women’s rugby players to be the best they can be.

“Harlequins’ commitment to this fantastic opportunity as part of the club’s five-year plan to support increasing growth and development in girls and senior women’s rugby is something that, as a female coach within the game, I am extremely excited about. To be able to contribute to that, as well as having the opportunity to learn from fellow professionals and work with new coaches and players to shape the future is fantastic.”