Ivybridge RFC: Championing Women's Rugby in Devon's South Hams
In the heart of Devon's South Hams, Ivybridge Rugby Football Club is spearheading remarkable growth in women's rugby. Since their women's section relocated from Plymouth Albion in 2019, the club has blossomed into a beacon for female rugby players across the region, supported by National Lottery funding from Sport England.
Three Decades of National Lottery Investment
Ivybridge RFC's relationship with National Lottery funding demonstrates the long-term commitment that has transformed women's sport across the UK. The club's journey began in 1996 when they received a transformative grant of £225,000 to build their clubhouse and changing accommodation. This early investment laid the foundation for the club's future growth and success, creating the infrastructure that would later support their flourishing women's section.
More recently, in 2020, the club received £4,980 in funding from Sport England specifically to deliver opportunities for girls and women's rugby, enabling continued development of female participation at all levels. This targeted investment reflects the sustained support that has been crucial to women's rugby development.
Elite Coaching Excellence Driving Grassroots Success
At the forefront of this expansion is a unique coaching duo - Georgie Gulliver, a former England international with 37 caps, as head coach, and her husband Ben Gulliver, a veteran of over 350 professional appearances, as forwards coach. Their combined expertise has proven invaluable in nurturing female talent at all levels.
The impact of their leadership is clear. Ivybridge's women's team has risen to become a competitive force in the Championship South West 2, establishing themselves as one of the top teams in the third tier of women's rugby. This success has been built on a strong foundation, with the club establishing a thriving girls' section that provides a clear pathway from junior to senior rugby.
"We're really fortunate at Ivybridge with regards to the facilities that we've got, which not only attracts better players but also coaches. Obviously before we were at Ivybridge the girls' section was good, but it was new, and they almost didn't have anywhere to go once they turned 18," explains Rachel Miller, Ladies Captain and RFU Club Development Officer.
Building Networks and Inspiring Champions
The club's commitment to women's rugby extends beyond its own boundaries. Ivybridge has fostered partnerships with other teams, including a collaboration with Exeter Chiefs Women. This network provides additional opportunities for players and contributes to the overall growth of women's rugby in the South West.
Ivybridge takes pride in its alumni, including England international Lagi Tuima. Her success serves as inspiration for the current crop of players, demonstrating the potential for local talent to reach the highest levels of the sport.
Part of a National Success Story
This club success reflects England's broader investment in women's rugby. National Lottery funding has invested nearly £50 million in women's and girls' rugby since 2009, with £11.8 million currently committed to women's and girls' rugby for 2022-2027 by Sport England. The Rugby Football Union receives ongoing support for increased participation, non-contact rugby for 14-18-year-olds, schools' programmes, female coach recruitment, and dedicated resources for the women's game.
Former England player and Rugby World Cup winner, Maggie Alphonsi MBE, emphasises the importance of this grassroots foundation: "It's important to reflect on how National Lottery funding over the years has played a pivotal role in developing and nurturing talent for the future, and has helped progress the sport amongst thousands of women and girls throughout the UK -- from grassroots to elite."
A Game-Changing 30-Year Journey
The transformation reflects three decades of consistent National Lottery support for women's rugby. When women's sport struggled for visibility, recognition and resources, National Lottery players were already investing in its future. From funding over 90,000 local projects, this unprecedented investment has created opportunities and pathways for female rugby players that simply didn't exist before.
With England hosting the Women's Rugby World Cup this summer in what is an unprecedented year for women's sport in the UK, clubs like Ivybridge RFC demonstrate how National Lottery funding distributed through Sport England creates the foundations for international success. Their remarkable journey exemplifies the National Lottery's transformative impact - over three decades, by investing over £6.8 billion into grassroots clubs and organisations, The National Lottery has been game-changing for women and girls' sport across the UK. This investment has been consistent across three decades, funded by the £30 million National Lottery players raise weekly for good causes across the UK.
The progress at Ivybridge RFC showcases how targeted funding, dedicated leadership, and a focus on inclusivity can drive the growth of women's rugby at the grassroots level. As the sport continues to develop, Ivybridge stands as a shining example of how local clubs can make a significant impact on the national rugby landscape.
