The Big Day
The Women’s Rugby International between the British Police Women’s Rugby team and France took place on Wednesday, 18th September 2024 at Sandy Park Stadium in Exeter. The British team emerged victorious with a 25-17 win in a highly competitive match that highlighted both teams’ commitment to camaraderie, sporting excellence, and teamwork.
A Hard-Fought Victory for the British Police Team
The match was closely contested from start to finish. The British Police team took an early lead, scoring a try that put them ahead on the scoreboard. However, the French team, known for their resilience, quickly responded with a series of well-coordinated plays that kept them within reach throughout the match.
Despite France’s determined efforts, the British team maintained their composure and capitalised on critical opportunities to extend into the lead. The final score of 25-17 reflected a very hard-fought victory for the British Police team, who were able to secure their advantage in the later stages of extra time.
“We are delighted by the win against the French Police last week. The strength of character of the whole squad and the resilience displayed by both teams was incredible. The forwards managed to the contact giving the backs the platforms to play from. A special mention goes to winger Alex Clinkard who scored some incredible tries.
The standards we set were clear, with one objective to win. The game was end to end and was a real excitement to watch.
The win came down to mentality towards the end – who wanted it most. We threw everything we had at the French and for the most they managed to contain us.
There are always things we need to improve on, but we are happy with the performance. We asked for phases of play outside the 12 and this was evident at times. We knew we had pace outside and that’s where we would capitalise.
We spent some of the time in primary schools promoting rugby. Having an event run by TeamPolice allowed us to showcase rugby to some of the most influential people in policing. Supporting police officers to compete in sport is invaluable and helps with sending positive messages out.” – Cheryl Thompson, Director of Rugby
Philippe Sella’s Presence Adds Prestige
The win also saw the British team claim the prestigious Philippe Sella Trophy, adding a significant achievement to their season. The trophy, named in honour of French rugby legend Philippe Sella, was presented by Sella himself, further elevating the significance of the victory.
Sella, a former French rugby union player with 111 caps for France and a member of both the International Rugby Hall of Fame and IRB Hall of Fame, was on hand to present the trophy. His presence added a unique sense of occasion to the event, and his reputation as one of the game’s greatest players brought an additional layer of significance to the match.
Sella’s new connection to both teams and his legacy in rugby made him the ideal figure to award the trophy. He also addressed the teams and spectators after the match, championing the importance of international rugby in fostering sportsmanship and collaboration between nations.
Pre-Match Action: “Blues & Twos” Draw with RAF
Earlier in the day, spectators were treated to another exciting contest as the British Police second team, the “Blues & Twos”, took on the RAF team. The match ended in a 17-17 draw, with both sides displaying impressive skill and tactical awareness. The evenly matched contest served as the perfect prelude to the main event, building anticipation and excitement amongst the section.
The “Blues & Twos” performed admirably, and their draw against the RAF underscored the depth of talent within the British Police Rugby teams, showcasing their strength at all levels.
Susie Appleby Delivers Inspiring Post-Match Address
The evening concluded with a dinner and a special address from Susie Appleby, former England scrum-half and coach of England Women’s Sevens. Appleby’s speech focused on the importance of sport in building resilience, promoting mental wellbeing, and strengthening communities. Her insights into the game and its broader role in society were well-received by all attendees.
Appleby, a pioneering figure in women’s rugby, shared her personal experiences as both a player and a coach, emphasizing how sport can drive positive change both on and off the field. Her address added an inspiring end to what was already a memorable event.
Acknowledgments to XPS Group
A special acknowledgment goes to XPS Group, our silver sponsors and supporters of the event, whose support was integral to the event’s success. Their partnership with TeamPolice highlights their commitment to promoting the wellbeing of police officers through sport, and their involvement played a key role in making the event possible.
A Broader Celebration of Women in Policing and Sport
The Women’s Rugby International was about more than just the on-field action. It was a celebration of women in policing and the important role sport plays in promoting physical and mental wellbeing. By bringing together policing and rugby communities, the event demonstrated the power of sport to foster teamwork, resilience, and leadership—values that resonate deeply with both police work and rugby.
The victory by the British Police Women’s Rugby team is a testament to their hard work and preparation, while the event as a whole stands as an important milestone in supporting and recognizing the contributions of women in policing through sport.
The success of the day’s events, from the close match between the Blues & Twos and RAF to the thrilling main event, highlights the growing role of rugby within the police community and sets a strong foundation for future matches and events.
PSUK Women’s Rugby Section Website
