"On behalf of Lancashire RFU, I would like to welcome all players, coaches, and spectators to The Waterloo Road, home of Southport RFC for our match v Northumberland in the Gill Burns County Championship.

It is almost 2 years since County rugby at Senior Women’s level has been played, for me, county representative rugby is hugely important to the continued success of rugby from grass roots level to championship. It is pleasing to note how many rugby players often recall great memories of their county games across the country.

This is my 7th year as the Lancashire U18 & Senior Women’s Manager; however, this year we have a new coaching and back-room team, so I would like to introduce Chis Hall (Head Coach), Harry Bailey (backs coach), Tom Williams (forward coach), Adrian Moffatt (skills coach) Carl Elmsley (Medical). The team are also supported by Mark Payne, Helen Duggan and James Wright. I’d like to thank them all (and the players) for their support during the assessment, development, training, and match days.

There are a lot of other people who support County Rugby within the regions, often never seen but are remarkably important to the success of the pathway programmes and I believe it is important that we thank those who support the players and coaches at club level.

Today is about seeing some of the best young and experienced talent from Lancashire and North Midlands play in the spirit of rugby and remember the core values of our game – Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship.

Yours in rugby

Mike Dale
Lancashire Women & Girls Representative Rugby Lead
Lancashire u18 & Senior Women Manager"

It has been a fantastic season of Lancashire representative honours for Women and Girls rugby here at Southport RFC with Emma Simpson, Francesca Rouffignac, Laura Walton, Morgann Griffiths, Natasha Rouffignac & Olivia Jessup being selected in the Lancashire Women County Championship Squad; Amelia Mckeown was selected in the Lancashire U18s squad. Katie Niamh Allen, Aimèe Keating & Mia Drescher were selected in the Lancashire U15s squad. It is hard not to mention the success at County level without alluding to our title winning Ladies team who were crowned Women's NC 2 North (West) champions finishing the season unbeaten, with many of the team set to feature on Sunday it will great for you to come and support them and Lancashire on Sunday.

All spectators welcome.