Weston College’s female rugby academy has made history by winning the Rosslyn Park National 7s Cup at their first attempt.

This was the first time the College has entered a side in the competition and provides evidence of the growth and investment there has been in female rugby over the recent years. It was an outstanding achievement and one that far surpassed the expectations of players and staff. However, this was also fully deserved for the player’s efforts throughout the season and the outstanding performances they produced on the day.

After an early leave on the Friday morning the girls arrived for their qualification match against Welsh opponents Gower College. Weston hit the ground running and had soon scored four tries by half time. They continued the scoring in the second half and eventually finished 44-0 winners which saw them qualify for the main half of the draw. This group also contained Pembrokeshire College and four-times winners Ysgol Dyffyryn Aman. Both these games were much more tightly contested with Weston winning the first 28-0 and then scoring a last minute try to defeat Ysgol Aman. These wins saw the first bit of history made that day with the girls becoming the first ever Weston College team to make to the knock-out rounds of this prestigious tournament.

In the quarter-finals, the girls came up against their biggest challenge yet and played against Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege from Belgium. Despite losing two key players to injury, the girls held on and finished 17-15 winners to set up semi-final contest against Epsom College . This proved to be quite the challenge with the opponents racing to a 10-0 lead in double-quick time. However, Weston replied with some of the best rugby of the day, scoring three unanswered tries to win 21-17.

In the final, Weston produced another outstanding display of hard work, team spirit and ruthless defence, which allowed Amy Coles to score four tries which saw them crowned champions.

This success highlights the great work being done towards female rugby and sport in general in the region. Looking forward, this is looks set to be the first of many great achievements on the national stage.

Lois Bird, captain of the Weston team, said: “It feels surreal to be a national champion. We went expecting to win two or three matches, and didn’t even imagine being in the final.

“This win is huge for girl’s rugby in the area. Somerset is a really big part of girl’s rugby and for Weston College especially, to get that win is going to draw more people in.”

Team Coach and Sports Academy Assistant Manager, Jack Gadd, said: “The girls only had one specialist 7s session a week, for five weeks, in preparation for the tournament, which makes it an even greater achievement”

“Seeing the bond between the players grow was probably the most important part for me – as well as seeing rugby at its purest and history made by winning the cup for the first time.”

The girls’ victory has been achieved just in time for the unveiling of the College’s bespoke facility, the Health and Active Living Centre (HALC), where sport and health-based courses will continue to thrive and grow. Boasting state-of-the-art equipment, these facilities will benefit learners and will also be available for the public to hire.

Jack added: “I think the new facilities will enable us to continue to grow our strong sports provision. Just having a place to call home with outstanding facilities, both indoor and outdoor, will offer lots more to our learners.”

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group, said: “The Health and Active Living Centre is a major, multi-million pound investment from Weston College and the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership.

“But even before these facilities open, our young people are winning national awards. It’s just been a pleasure to see our women’s rugby team achieve absolute excellence. The Health and Active Living Centre is just part of one huge facility now for the people of Weston-super-Mare, for the students and for everybody who wants to get involved in this fantastic project.”

Congratulations to Lois, Harri, Sophie, Lottie, Chloe, Amy, Courtney, Meg and Elise for the massive achievement. Many thanks to all of the staff who aided the team and helped them to achieve.