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ABOUT US
THE HOME OF NORTH-EAST WOMENS RUGBY
DUWRFC was founded in 1984 by Cameron Henderson. DUWRFC is now the largest university women's rugby programme in the UK, having introduced the first BUCS competing 3rd XV, which has been reintroduced into the programme ahead of the 2026/27 season. The club boasts over 90 members across its three teams, welcoming both beginners and professionals. One of our greatest successes was the 2018/19 season, with both the 1st and 2nd XV winning their leagues unbeaten, and the 1st XV playing in the National Final at Twickenham. The club is proud of its commitment to academic achievement and rugby excellence, providing students with top class degrees as well, as elite rugby training. All players receive twice-weekly skills training, fitness and strength and conditioning programmes.
DUWRFC is proud in its commitment to academic achievement and rugby excellence, providing students with top class degrees as well as elite rugby training. All players receive twice-weekly skills training and strength and conditioning programming. DUWRFC takes raw talent and develops it into maturity with quality coaching, primal workouts and a true love of the sport. Teamwork, family ethos, sportsmanship - these are the hallmarks of DUWRFC.
Our 1XV Performance Squad are strong competitors within BUCS' Women's Premier League. We are very proud to be the BUCS WPL Champions of the, 2021-22 season. Previous years have seen similar unparalleled success, such as during the 2018/2019 season placing second and playing the BUCS National final at Twickenham stadium. We look forward to remaining a strong competitor within this league and pushing to re-enter BUCS Women's Super Rugby in seasons to come.
DUWRFC has a strong sevens programme with our 1st team previously competing in the BUCS 7s championship and 2nd team playing in the BUCS trophy competition. The club also often enters into the St Andrew's Sevens, Krakow Sevens and Algarve Sevens, where they face national teams like Hong Kong. DUWRFC had also created a sevens team to rival all others - Durham Chimera. This was an invite only team for current students and alumni, the current crop of ladies and coaching staff are hoping to revive this once great team.
DUWRFC was also formerly partnered with Premiership team Darlington Mowden Park (DMP) Durham Sharks, meaning many girls played weekly in the Allianz Premier 15s. Previous students involved with their national programmes include Jess Cooksey, Lauren Fisher, Chloe Broom, Rosalie Inman, Nicola Haynes, Scarlett Thomas-Thompson, Jess Wiesheu and Izzy Hannay. An equally impressive Alumnae include Heather Kerr, Sophie Lee, Megan Ellery, Claudia Macdonald, Caitlin Sedgeworth, Coreen Grant and Roshini Turner who are all involved in national programmes.
Durham University over the years has produced multiple international standard players, including current Red Roses Heather Kerr, Claudia MacDonald and current Scotland player Coreen Grant (to name a few in a long list...).
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