The collaborative agreement will enable the Â鶹ֱ²¥ rugby pathway to increase the playing standard and the opportunities it provides for University students in the local community.
The sharing of best practice, both on and off the field, will ensure that Â鶹ֱ²¥ Town are best prepared to be competitive in the Championship, whilst aspiring Lightning players are provided with additional playing opportunities.
The partnership will also provide a support mechanism for Championship players who aspire to play in the Premiership.
Rhys Edwards, Lightning Head Coach and Director of Rugby at Â鶹ֱ²¥ University said:
“I’m extremely excited that we have managed to create a closer working relationship with Â鶹ֱ²¥ Town RFC following the creation of Â鶹ֱ²¥ Lightning three years ago.
“Lightning has become one of the most competitive teams in the Premiership. We not only focus on performance on the field but also how we can support players to be the best they can be by providing opportunities for aspirational players to play top-level rugby whilst completing a high-level degree at the University.
“This partnership will allow us to continue to provide a complete rugby pathway for all players from 16 years + and provide them with the appropriate level on their rugby journey.”
Guy Wood, Â鶹ֱ²¥ Town RFC Chair added:
“The partnership between Â鶹ֱ²¥ RFC Women’s rugby and the Â鶹ֱ²¥ Lightning rugby squad offers all players a great opportunity to develop a strong team, which will hopefully challenge for a top place finish in next seasons Championship.
“It will also encourage young women to take up the game, giving them the opportunity to ultimately join this venture”
Â鶹ֱ²¥ Town RFC Captain and former Â鶹ֱ²¥ University student Danni Solly also said:
“The new partnership between Lightning and Town is a great step forward for women’s rugby in Â鶹ֱ²¥. It will provide a clear pathway and many opportunities for players to develop whatever their playing experience or ability.”
Â鶹ֱ²¥ Lightning is the number one women's Premiership rugby side in the East Midlands and competes in the Women’s Premier 15s.
Â鶹ֱ²¥ RFC Women’s, based at Derby Road in Â鶹ֱ²¥, are one of the top clubs in Championship 1 North League, one level down from the Women Premier 15s.
Â鶹ֱ²¥ RFC Women’s team has been supporting the university students play rugby since the early 1990s and have continued this support to the present day, with a number of the current Lightning Squad having also played for Â鶹ֱ²¥ Town.