Across Wales this week, a new generation of girls is discovering the confidence, friendship and sense of belonging that rugby can bring.
The Girls in Rugby Week 2026 – #GIRW26 – will celebrate the growing opportunities for girls to get involved in the game, while inspiring more schools, clubs and communities to help change the future of women’s rugby.
Girls in Rugby Week is an invitation for everyone to play a part in changing the narrative. Whether you are a girl curious about trying rugby for the first time, a parent looking for new opportunities for your child, a teacher hoping to introduce the sport at school, or a volunteer helping a local club flourish, there is a place for you in this growing movement.
Girls and families interested in getting involved can complete the WRU’s form to find a team nearby. Everyone can also help spread the message by following @welshrugbyunion and @wru_community and sharing stories and activities using #GIRW26.
By bringing schools, clubs, families and communities together, Wales is taking important steps towards a future where every girl has the chance to experience rugby, discover her strengths and feel part of something bigger than herself.
The future of girls’ rugby is already taking shape across Wales, one school, one club and one opportunity at a time. And every girl who gets the chance to play is helping change the game for the better.
For many current internationals and adult female players, rugby simply wasn’t available to them at school when they were growing up. Today, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is determined to change that narrative, partnering with primary and secondary schools to ensure more girls have the opportunity to pick up a rugby ball, discover their potential and experience the power of being part of a team.
More than just a national campaign, Girls in Rugby Week is a celebration of progress, possibility and the people working hard to make rugby a sport where every girl feels welcome. From introductory school festivals and community taster sessions to match officiating courses, coach development and teacher education, #GIRW26 is opening doors and creating pathways for girls to find their place in the game.
The campaign supports the WRU’s ambition to create a thriving community game and accelerate the growth of women’s and girls’ rugby across Wales.
With a bold target of reaching 10,000 registered women and girls playing rugby by June 2029, the progress already being made offers plenty of reasons to be optimistic.
During the 2025/26 season, female registration figures reached a significant milestone of 7,000 participants, demonstrating the growing appetite for the game and the impact of continued investment in opportunities for girls.
Behind every registration is a potential future player, coach, referee, volunteer or international star. More importantly, there is a young person who could discover new friendships, develop confidence and realise that they belong in a sport where teamwork, determination and resilience matter.
Breaking Down Barriers and Building Confidence
For many girls, taking part in sport can be about much more than physical activity. Research highlights the challenges they face, with 61% of teenage girls feeling judged when participating in sport, 50% lacking self-belief and seven in 10 avoiding physical activity during their period.
These barriers can prevent girls from experiencing the many benefits that sport can offer. Rugby has the potential to help change that, providing an environment where girls can challenge themselves, support one another and grow in confidence without feeling they have to fit a particular mould.
Across Wales, female rugby players speak about the confidence they have gained, the friendships they have built and the sense of belonging they experience through the game.
These stories are a powerful reminder of why creating welcoming, inclusive environments matters. By providing positive role models, understanding the needs of female participants and encouraging girls to give rugby a try, Girls in Rugby Week aims to ensure that more young people can experience those same benefits.
The message is simple: every girl deserves the opportunity to participate, to feel supported and to discover what she is capable of achieving.
Bringing Rugby to Schools and Communities Across Wales
Throughout the week, secondary schools have been encouraged to take part in rugby festivals for Year 7 to Year 9 pupils, introducing girls to the sport through fun, inclusive activities that put enjoyment and participation first. Primary schools will also benefit from skills sessions and games delivered through regional rugby foundations, helping younger girls build the foundations of their rugby journey from an early age.
For those inspired to continue playing, the campaign will also promote “Try Rugby! Rho gais ar rygbi!”, connecting girls with open taster sessions at local clubs and rugby hubs. These opportunities will help bridge the gap between trying rugby at school and becoming part of a community team, giving girls the chance to develop their skills, make new friends and discover a lasting passion for the sport.
Through Dysgu WRU, free webinars will support volunteers and club committees with practical guidance on subjects including making clubhouses more welcoming for women and girls, alongside sessions such as “Menstrual Cycle 101”. By building knowledge and understanding among those who support players, the WRU is helping clubs become more inclusive places for girls to learn, develop and thrive.
Volunteers and club representatives can explore the available learning opportunities at https://dysguwru.wales/.
Through the #HERstory initiative, the WRU is encouraging people across Wales to share the stories of women and girls whose contributions deserve to be recognised.
By shining a light on these experiences, #HERstory will help raise the visibility of women and girls throughout the rugby season, celebrating the people who are shaping the game today and inspiring those who will lead it tomorrow.
A story can be submitted through the HERstory submission form.