This season the Rugby Football Union (RFU) made a further commitment to providing young female players with the same opportunities and experiences as their male counterparts.

This season the RFU launched the new England Rugby Girls’ Developing Player Programme (ERDPP) to help identify talent at U16 level and provide those girls with access to increased pathway training and playing opportunities.

Based on the boys’ ERDPP, which was already in existence, the RFU sought expert advice on how best to adapt the programme for girls.

It is hoped by the RFU that the girls’ ERDPP can help support the ‘Every Rose’ action plan and ensure there is a healthy pathway for players to progress from age-grade to international rugby.

The Herts ERDPP started in August 2022 and involved 10 training sessions which involved Zoe Harrison (England International) as a guest coach. The sessions looked at skill development and also provided guidance on strength & conditioning for players looking to move through the England pathway.

The Herts ERDPP also played two festivals at StoneX against Essex & Eastern Counties and then at Hertford RFC playing against Middlesex, Surrey and Hampshire.

The squad this seasson included the following U16s Fullerians girls:

Ayesha Khuram, Jemima Cadge, Bronagh Elgin, Georgie Christophorou, Amelia Fox, Sophie Jaanin, Abi Edwards and new player Olivia Slowik.

Jules Goodair, Head of Junior Rugby at Fullerians RFC said "This is an amazing experience for the girls to be part of a dedicated Player Programme. They should all be proud of their achievements and shows the development of girls rugby at Fullerians."

Jules also added "A big thank you to the Herts RFU for delivering this programme and supporting girls rugby in Hertfordshire."

On Sunday 19th March, the U14s Girls will be attending a Herts RFU event at Cheshunt RFC

This is their opportunity to experience the coaching set up from the Herts ERDPP ahead of the selection process in the summer.