The pathway, established last season with Lichfield, will also be a key part of the continued sustainability and success of the project and, alongside other partner clubs soon to be announced, will ensure that all of the squad will be out on the field, playing rugby and improving.
Finally, there are those coming in who are hungry to take the next step in their careers. Whether that’s those blue-chip prospects sailing over from Scotland or the United States who are aiming to show their talents in the world’s most elite league, those who haven’t had the opportunities at other clubs in the Premiership and believe they have more to give or even those, like many of the team from last year, who are relishing a chance at the top level.
The balance of the squad is what determines the success of the women’s programme at Tigers: the burgeoning talent already within the ranks looking for a chance to shine at the top level, the young guns coming in who are only just beginning to establish themselves both domestically and internationally, veterans of the game who will add invaluable leadership and mentoring and a ‘sprinkle of stardust’ provided by some of the undisputed best in the world.
The makeup of the squad does swing on the youthful side and this is a very deliberate decision, the management team prioritising ambitious individuals looking to be the catalyst that helps Leicester Tigers reach the top of the women’s game. Players who are aware of the values that define the club and of what success will mean to those who pack the stands at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
Lifelong Tigers like Amy Orrow and Natasha Jones recognise the responsibility of wearing the green, white and red stripes. The players who tasted success last year know the feeling of being roared on by thousands of fans and, equally, the importance of inspiring a young girl at a camp and helping them to love rugby. The squad must represent the Tigers family on the field and off of it.
This is a long-term project, not one that is looking to bulldoze into the league and splash an obscene amount of money on a full XV of Red Roses and Black Ferns in order to guarantee success.
Today is Day 1 of pre-season and it means that the squad can only get better from here. Every single individual who has joined this burgeoning project will grow and develop as a Leicester Tigers player. These are very exciting times for a team at the beginning of a new history.
Be with us to write a new chapter in what will be one hell of an adventure.
Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be examining the women’s programme at Leicester Tigers and how it has developed from year one to year two. This is a programme that for just over a year has been built from the ground-up and, consequently, each area has been analysed to the minutiae, from player and coach recruitment through to infrastructure and sportswear. Take a look as we begin Chapter 2 of a new history.
