Shrewsbury Rugby Club women secure historic unbeaten title and league promotion
Shrewsbury Rugby Club is celebrating a landmark achievement this week as the women’s senior side officially concluded their season as undefeated NC3 league champions.
The historic campaign ensures the squad will compete in NC2 for the 2026/27 season, marking the first time in the club’s history that the women’s team has navigated a league schedule without a single loss.
The season has been defined by a remarkable blend of consistency and resilience. From the opening whistle of the campaign, the squad established a reputation for a hardworking, physical style of play underpinned by a profound "play for each other" mentality.
This culture of mutual support has been a cornerstone of their success, allowing the team to maintain high training numbers and successfully integrate several talented newcomers alongside players progressing from the club’s thriving girls’ section.
While the league table tells a story of dominance, the journey was punctuated by moments of immense pressure. The players were forced to dig deep in tightly contested fixtures against fellow promotion hopefuls, most notably during a gritty away victory against Newport Sirens in punishing conditions.
The season reached its crescendo in a final-day thriller against Stafford IIs, a match where the opposition’s desperation for a win was matched only by Shrewsbury’s determination to protect their flawless record.
The offensive statistics for the season make for impressive reading, with Shrewsbury players accounting for four of the top five try scorers in the entire division. Olivia Morris, Hollie Lock, Jordan Bixley, and Menna Jones all featured prominently at the top of the charts, though the coaching staff has been quick to point out that these individual accolades are the byproduct of a monumental collective effort.
Head coach Simon, who has been instrumental in the women’s section since its inception three years ago, expressed immense pride in the group's rapid evolution. He noted that considering many of the players were new to the sport just two seasons ago, completing ten league fixtures unbeaten is a staggering testament to their commitment. He highlighted the genuine joy and energy within the group as the primary catalyst for their promotion.
The impact of the squad extends far beyond the pitch, as the women’s players have become integral to the fabric of the wider club. Members of the team currently serve in vital volunteer roles, including secretary and treasurer positions, while others dedicate their time to coaching the minis and girls’ sections or managing the club's social media and promotional efforts.
Pack Leader Sarah Berry summed up the sentiment within the camp, noting that the team has gone from strength to strength thanks to the 100% effort given by players, coaches, and off-pitch supporters alike. As the celebrations begin, the focus is already shifting toward the challenges of NC2, with the club eager to see how far this ambitious group can go.
