Royal London, Founding Partner of The British & Irish Lions Women’s rugby team, today announces that applications are open for its annual Championing Women and Girls’ Grassroots Rugby Award.

The initiative, in its third year, recognises four clubs per year, one chosen from each Union (England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales), who will receive a trophy plus a £10,000 grant to invest in their women and girls' programmes. Applications are open until 12pm on Monday 20 July 2026 via the Lions website.

Building on Royal London's commitment to support the long-term development of women’s rugby across the UK and Ireland, the programme recognises grassroots clubs championing participation, inclusion, and equality within their local communities, and inspiring future generations.

Successful clubs will have demonstrated a strong commitment to growing participation and representation across all aspects of their club, including:

• Community outreach and access to playing opportunities

• Promoting equality across club activities

• Celebrating women’s successes and achievements

• Supporting the progression of players, coaches, staff, and leadership at all levels

Last year, Royal London received over 250 applications (up from 127 in 2024), with winners including Lancaster Lionesses (England), Buccaneers RFC (Ireland), Greenock Wanderers RFC (Scotland) and Ynysddu BG RFC (Wales). Last year’s cohort builds on the 2024 winners’ roster which includes: Guisborough RUFC (England), Cooke RFC (Ireland), East Kilbride RFC (Scotland), and Clwb Rygbi Caernarfon (Wales). In total £80,000 has been donated to eight clubs so far and the latest £40,000 award will take Royal London’s investment in grassroots rugby across the four Home Unions to £120,000.

Following an incredible year for women’s sport in England last year with wins for the Lionesses in the Euros and the Red Roses in the Women’s Rugby World Cup held on home soil, the momentum is building and women’s sport is gaining recognition and attracting more interest. This manifested in record breaking crowds for Women’s Six Nation matches with new bars set at England, Scotland and Ireland home fixtures during the tournament.

Susie Logan, Group Chief Marketing Officer at Royal London said: “Royal London is dedicated to levelling the playing field for women’s rugby. We want to unlock the potential of women and girls, empowering them to lead, succeed, and thrive both on and off the field.

“The rise of women’s sport is great to see, and we want to support more women and girls who are being inspired to take part in grassroots rugby to have opportunities to play across the UK and Ireland.

“This award highlights the outstanding initiatives clubs have in place to support women’s and girls’ rugby in their communities and means that clubs can aspire to achieve more. It’s vital that we keep the momentum going and build on the great work being done by so many clubs to support their members and grow the game in their local area.”

Shaunagh Brown, Royal London ambassador said: “The opportunity for women and girls to play rugby in their local communities is so important to grow the women’s game to the next level. As a coach, I see firsthand the positive impact investing into grassroots rugby is having and how things are improving. There is always more to do, but this award from Royal London will have a huge impact for the winning clubs and their communities.

“I’ve been part of the judging for the awards every year and it’s so uplifting to hear about the ways clubs and their members are pushing boundaries and breaking down barriers to bring more women and girls into the sport. I’m looking forward to reviewing the applications this year, showcasing the inspiring grassroots rugby stories from around the UK and Ireland.”