NLD Womens Rugby

17/03/2026

Congratulation to our 2026 training squad!

We have seen unprecedented numbers at a single trial this year which has made selection incredibly difficult. This is a real testament to the clubs within NLD, not just for the calibre of players but to the growth in women’s rugby within NLD over the last 10 years.
We saw well over 100 people and are taking our largest training squad to date. This is to allow more depth of squad while we are training, whilst giving as many players as possible the opportunity to learn.

We’d really appreciate the support from the clubs across the county as we prepare for the programme, our journey to Twickenham starts now. Keep an eye on our social media for updates around friendlies and games.

10/02/2026

There’s still time to sign up for NLD trials - https://forms.office.com/e/cvzCDVsqM9

NLD Women’s Trial Applications for 2026 are now open!!

📆 Tuesday 24th February 2026
📍Mellish RFC
🕖 7pm - 9pm (Registration opens from 6:30pm)

Register using the form below 👇🏻👇🏻
https://forms.office.com/e/cvzCDVsqM9

If you cannot make the trial date there is still an expression of interest in the form. The closing date for applications is Friday 20th February 2026. We will endeavour to send out confirmation emails once a week, however please bear with us as everyone is a volunteer.

Mellish RFC will once again be our home for the 2026 season. We will be sharing the key dates for the upcoming season soon so keep your eyes peeled.

Any questions then please reach out to us on social media.

04/02/2026

NLD Women’s Trial Applications for 2026 are now open!!

📆 Tuesday 24th February 2026
📍Mellish RFC
🕖 7pm - 9pm (Registration opens from 6:30pm)

Register using the form below 👇🏻👇🏻
https://forms.office.com/e/cvzCDVsqM9

If you cannot make the trial date there is still an expression of interest in the form. The closing date for applications is Friday 20th February 2026. We will endeavour to send out confirmation emails once a week, however please bear with us as everyone is a volunteer.

Mellish RFC will once again be our home for the 2026 season. We will be sharing the key dates for the upcoming season soon so keep your eyes peeled.

Any questions then please reach out to us on social media.

07/11/2025

Congratulations to all the players who have been selected. Your commitment, hard work, and dedication to the game have earned you this achievement. We look forward to seeing you represent the squad with pride and perform to the highest standard throughout the season.

05/11/2025

A FREE 6 week course!
Want to give rugby a try.......and looking to join a thriving girls section?

We have created a "Girls only" free rugby "taster program" The sessions are fun, safe, and non-contact for newcomers, focusing on skills development through playing games. Open to 7-14 year old Girls – Beginners and Girls who have been introduced to rugby as part of our schools festivals!

Starting Thursday 6th November from 7pm – 8:30pm for 5 weeks here at Kelham Road. The 6th and final session is on Wednesday 10th December with two times world cup winner Emily Scarratt!!

The sessions are all about developing essential life skills. Over the six weeks, you will make new lifelong friendships, build confidence and fitness all while having lots of fun. We teach rugby's core values - Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship.

Register your place today via [email protected]

Please bring trainers or boots and a water bottle and wear comfortable clothing.

We can’t wait to welcome you to our fantastic inclusive family here at Newark Rugby Club!

15/06/2025

That’s a wrap on the 2025 County Season for NLD.
We are very privileged to have so many clubs and players who collaborate with us ensure we have a successful programme.

Although only 23 players can be selected for the squad on game day, we couldn’t achieve what we do without everyone turning up to training. Practicing run-throughs and making the competition for a spot in that 23 a nightmare for our coaching team. That breath of club representation on and off the pitch has ensured the women’s programme has been so successful over the years.

We of course have to shout out the volunteers in the background that make it all possible. Amy our Sports Therapist that holds the players together with tape, reassures them when they need it. Our coaching team lead by Dan the newly appointed kit cleaning queen (and his secret helper at home). His trio of coaches; Connor, Jed and Paul who challenge the team to be their very best.
Our Manager Granny Drives the spreadsheet fiend and Neil our W&G Rep.
Thanks to Mellish RFC for being our home for the season, with Steve taking good care of us. Preparing food for the ladies during game analysis and making sure we had everything we needed throughout the season.

To close out the season we had a small awards presentation to celebrate those players who have really stood out this season.

Forward of the Season - Emily Hird (Lincoln)
Back of the Season - Abbie Pearce (Derby)
Young Player of the Season - Nancy Kirk (Mansfield)
Captains Player of the Season - Chloe Goldsmith (Stamford)
Players Player of the Season - Emily Hird (Lincoln)

We look forward to what next season will bring.

11/06/2025

Eastern Counties v NLD 8th June 2025

A hard fought game, and huge effort from all our players on Sunday, resulting in a draw against Eastern Counties.

Our Points Scorers:
Try - Nancy Kirk (Mansfield)
Conversion - Abbie Pearce (Derby)
Try - Sammy Pocock (Stamford)
Conversion - Abbie Pearce (Derby)
Try - Abbie Pearce (Derby)
Try - Kayna Penrose-Toms (Stamford)
Conversion - Abbie Pearce (Derby)

Following a draw at the Semi Final stage means a series of 6 penalties kicks are taken by each team.

Abbie Pearce converting one, and Eastern Counties converting two, taking them through to the finals at Twickenham in two weeks time. We wish them the best of luck in their penultimate game.

Forward of the Match - Emily Hird (Lincoln)
Back of the Match - Nancy Kirk (Mansfield)

01/06/2025

Another win for the women today against Cheshire. Huge thanks to Mellish RFC for hosting and being our home for the season.

Next stop Semi Finals.

18/05/2025

Great display of determination from the Women today to come back from 29-10 just after half time. Huge thanks to Durham County Rugby Football Union for such a competitive game and Billingham Rugby Club for their hospitality. You can see all the highlights from today’s game on our Instagram Page

13/03/2025

We are really pleased to announce this year’s training squad. Congratulations to all those selected and their clubs and thank you to everyone who came and trialed.