It's finally the turn of our women to start their league campaign this weekend. We wish them all the best as they take to the road to Wimbledon. A familiar opponent who we have had mixed results with over the past few seasons.

We thoroughly enjoyed the preseason friendly against Dartford Valley on 3rd Sept. It was a great win for the women and a very special day as they played to honour the memory of Sarah Von Bratt, their teammate who passed away last year. The support at our women’s games just keeps growing and it was great to see so many of you, and Sarah’s family too, on that special day.

The way fixtures have fallen and due to our Mini’s festival on the 8th Oct, we will have to wait until the 5th Nov until we get to cheer them on at home.

The preparations across the summer have also seen several changes in the coaches and management of the section.

I am really delighted to welcome David Wiggins as the new Head Coach. David has spent the last two seasons with Dartford Valley RFC, where he was the Head coach of the Men’s 1st XV gaining two successive promotions. He has enjoyed a long and extensive career in rugby gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience, in both domestic and international rugby.

Matt Kuhn, Head of Woman & Girls Rugby, says “We are super excited with the appointment of our new Women’s 1st team coach, David Wiggins. David has over 40 years of experience coaching rugby at the very highest levels and has made an amazing impact since joining the club with his energy, experience and vision for our women’s section. We’ve seen record numbers at training during the week, and cannot wait to start the season with David at the helm”.

Si Rumsey, long-term member and player, joins the coaching team alongside Scott Forest who will lead our 2nd XV team as well as supporting the 1st XV.

A new addition to the support staff is Lizzie Chambers, the Women’s team Physio.

Caroline Jordan will once again lead the team for an incredible 8th Season. Caroline is such a positive motivator and inspirational leader, who is hugely respected by the team. Caroline also had the honour of captaining the Kent Women’s team last season.

Gemma Duncan has taken over as the Women’s Chair this season. Gemma is such a strong passionate leader, bursting with ideas. I think she must eat sleep & dream rugby. She will certainly be a positive member not only of the Women's section but the Executive Committee too.

Corinna Griffiths steps up as Women’s Manager this season. A phenomenal forward and no. 8 who has been with us for 7 seasons. Her work rate on the pitch has earned her the respect of the team and the nickname "silent ninja", as you can always count on her being where you need her when you need her, and this will transfer well as women's manager.

An impressive Leadership team indeed.

Project Prem
“Project Prem” is a 5-year development plan that will ultimately provide our future generations and women now, a pathway to higher level rugby locally.
We have already produced several international players from the women's section plus future stars emerging from our girl's section. This dream and aim is to be the Kent club to rival all London clubs and help keep talent local. The ultimate Goal is Premiership. Let’s Dream big!

Caroline and Gemma, together with teammate Michelle Darby, who is also our Mini’s Chair, have been instrumental in this development plan. The passion for rugby, the club and especially their teammates, shone through in their presentation. Their plan was immediately supported by coaches, Matt Kuhn, the Exec Committee and most importantly the whole women’s squad.

“I’m so keen for this to work for the super talented women now and the future girls” Says Gemma

Caroline adds, “ I am always excited at the beginning of the rugby season but even more so this year as it is the first year of our 5-year plan to get Medway Women to the premiership and have a second team. Ambitious? Yes. Achievable? Absolutely.
We have already made big steps forward with fantastic additions to our coaching team and many new faces joining. You can feel the buzz in the whole squad! I know the 23/24 season will be a good one for us and can’t wait to be a part of the beginning of this journey!”
The focus and energy for “Project Prem” has also helped secure sponsorship from Specsavers for the next three seasons. Together with long-running sponsorship from The Ship in Southfleet and financial support from Ealing Trailfinders, it has allowed us to start the real investment in our women’s side."

David Wiggins' appointment is the first big step.

The plan allows us to employ a team physio, coach travel, travel expenses, as well as everyone’s favourite, new stash!
We are still seeking a gym partnership, but all good things come to those who wait!

At Medway RFC we still have the largest Girl's section in Kent. In the past two seasons, 7 players have graduated into the Women’s team, and although some are off to uni, they are keen to play whenever possible. The girl’s section is the foundation of “Project Prem”.

“Like the record-breaking women’s rugby world cup 2021 (played in 2022) that smashed all previous attendance, engagement and viewing records, we are also providing a strong platform for our game to reach and inspire the next generation of players & supporters at Medway Rugby Club” Mark Marriott - Club President

It really is an exciting time for the women’s section, building on the legacy of those who started the section over 30 years ago. Incredibly, Ann Robertson one of our first players still takes to the pitch, sharing her knowledge & skills with a new generation and still in her original shorts too!

On behalf of the whole club, I wish our Women's Team the best of luck on Sunday 17th Sept and for the rest of the season.
The future’s Scarlett and Gold.

Tracy Bullock - Club Chair.