As part of Project Rugby, Leicester Tigers have been working with the Asian Sports Foundation to create rugby playing opportunities for women and girls from Asian backgrounds.

Rugby sessions have been delivered in schools, faith groups, universities and community centres to engage participants in rugby activity, with further opportunities to play in festivals at local rugby clubs, and join teams. A number of the girls have even gone on to take part in the Tigers 'Pukka Swifts' programme, even getting the opportunity to play on the pitch at Mattioli Woods Welford Road. 

Scott Clarke, Head of Community & Global Partnerships, said "The added support and focus given to us by the Asian Sports Foundation has really enabled the Tigers Project Rugby team to work closely with local community leaders and groups. Our coaches have had the time and dedicated resources to work out the best way to make the rugby not only accessible but deliverable in a manner that breaks down the specific barriers to our sport for young Asian Girls and Women.

The enthusiasm and skill of these new-to-rugby women and girls, has been impressive to say the least. The shared learning experience has helped shape our engagement plans moving forward to hopefully welcome more young girls and women to join in the Tigers Family, especially at such an exciting time for Women in Rugby at Leicester Tigers" 

Project Rugby is a grassroots rugby programme designed to increase participation in Rugby by people from traditionally under-represented groups. If you would like to see the great work Project Rugby does across communities or see how you can get involved, please check out the link below.