A world cup win this summer for England ladies team together with a brand new kit from Hodgson Sayers, means Newcastle University Women’s Rugby team is set to ‘tackle’ the upcoming season with great anticipation.
The kit sponsorship comes as Hodgson Sayers celebrates its 35th anniversary year and as a way of marking the occasion, has pledged to donate time or money towards local causes and sports-related activities.
Cassie Jordan, Treasurer and member of the first team squad, said: “We are all thrilled with our new kit, which we desperately needed. We are doing very well as a club, but we really need funding and support to help sustain our longevity. The First team plays within the Northern League and the second team within the Northern 2B League and we can proudly say that we are one of only seven Universities in England to have two teams.
“I am in my final year of a Maths degree and had no experience of playing rugby before I joined Newcastle University. I took part in the initial taster sessions that we run each year and joined in with pre-season games and was asked by the coach to join the second team. I instantly took to the game and within a matter of months I moved into the first team.
“We want to help raise awareness for women’s rugby teams which can often get overlooked when it comes to funding. It was great to see the women’s rugby world cup won by England this year, and even better to see the North East connection to the sport with the captain of the England ladies team, katy McClean, hailing from South Shields. The vice-captain of the team, Sarah Hunter, began her rugby career as a nine year old for Goathland Primary School in Newcastle and team-mate Tamara Taylor, is a Newcastle University graduate.
“The win secured England’s first world cup title in 20 years and we hope this will go a long way in attracting even more females to the sport not just within the North East but nationally.
“We currently have 44 members and we are actively recruiting from schools to encourage more girls to join when they go to University.
“Studying for a degree is challenging and it is great that I can break away and socialise with the girls and enjoy the game. From all of us at Newcastle University Women’s Rugby Team we would like to take the opportunity to thank Hodgson Sayers for the kits.”
John Sayers, Managing Director at Hodgson Sayers, said: “We are proud to support Newcastle University Women’s Rugby team and the girls are great ambassadors for the sport.
“They are determined and committed to their team and we wanted to ensure they have a kit that they were pleased to wear. We wish them all the best of luck with their studies and with their fixtures for the season ahead.”
Established in 1979, as Hodgson & Allon, the company began primarily as a roofing contractor. Over the years it has developed and diversified considerably to include building works, fencing and metalwork fabrication.
Its ISO 9001 accredited operations are reflected in the consistently high standards of delivery, presentation and all processes.