Bournemouth Rugby has welcomed two pioneers of women’s rugby, Sue Dorrington and Alice D. Cooper, to mark the growth of the sport and celebrate the club’s new women’s team.
The two were part of the group who launched the first Women’s Rugby World Cup in 1991, helping lay the foundations for the global success of the game.
Players, coaches and sponsors from Dorset and as far afield as the USA, Canada and Australia attended the Pride of Lions event at West Beach in Bournemouth.
Sue Dorrington praised the club’s work to provide a safe and welcoming environment for young girls, saying rugby can build confidence, friendship and community. She added that grassroots rugby is essential to growing the sport and that Bournemouth Rugby’s approach is “perfect for young girls and building self-esteem.”
Dorrington also highlighted the importance of coaching girls differently to boys, focusing on fun, structure and encouragement.
The event was held in the run-up to England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup Final win, with Dorrington noting the Red Roses have inspired a new generation of girls through their success on and off the pitch.
Bournemouth Rugby’s Commercial Director, James Croker, said hosting the trailblazers was an honour and described the event as a milestone moment for the club and its commitment to women’s rugby.
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