Earlier this month, Greenock Wanderers welcomed Scotland winger Rhona Lloyd to Fort Matilda to help the club celebrate winning a Championing Women and Girls Rugby award via the British and Irish Lions and Royal London.
Back in late 2025, the club was named the Scottish winner of the prestigious prize.
The award celebrates clubs that are making a meaningful impact in growing women’s and girls’ rugby, strengthening their communities and creating inclusive opportunities both on and off the pitch.
The recognition marks a major milestone for Greenock Wanderers whose girls’ rugby programme was launched just a few years ago with the aim of building a strong and sustainable pathway for female players.
Since then, the programme for women and girls has flourished, with girls as young as seven and women into their late forties now representing the club. The section has become a true rugby family, with mothers and daughters playing side by side and players travelling from across the region to be part of the Wanderers community.
Central to the club’s success is its commitment to breaking down barriers to participation. Greenock Wanderers operates a scholarship programme that removes membership fees and provides kit for those who might otherwise struggle to take part.
The club has also introduced a progressive maternity policy which is designed to help players remain involved in the sport before, during and after pregnancy. This includes pausing subscription payments, offering additional support from physios and coaches to ensure a safe return to play and providing a dedicated breastfeeding space at the club for both players and supporters.
Beverley Addison, vice president of rugby and director of women and girls’ rugby at Greenock Wanderers said: “Winning the Championing Women and Girls’ Rugby award is not just an honour, it’s an opportunity.
“Women’s and girls’ rugby has become a cornerstone of Greenock Wanderers and this award is testament to the dedication of our players, coaches, volunteers and supporters. The £10,000 grant will help us upskill our junior and senior players and coaches, enhance our facilities and continue to provide a welcoming, supportive environment for all.
“Most importantly, it shows our girls that their dreams are supported not just by our club, but by the wider rugby community.
“As an added bonus of the award, a couple of weeks ago we were joined by the amazing Rhona Lloyd from the Scotland women’s team to further inspire our girls to achieve new heights and dream of what they too could do one day.
“Rhona was so kind and generous with her time, joining in with the girls’ training and taking plenty of selfies. There are 130 of us going through to Murrayfield to support Rhona and the team when they take on England on April 18 in the Six Nations and now the girls all definitely have a favourite player to cheer for!
“Thank you to the Lions and Royal London again for selecting us for these amazing opportunities.”
Rhona Lloyd’s visit to Greenock Wanderers is pictured – thanks to the club
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