On Sunday 22 March, Welwyn RFC marked a significant milestone, celebrating 25 years of girls’ rugby at the club with a special commemorative lunch. The event welcomed more than 100 guests, including former players, coaches, parents of current players, sponsors, and honorary attendees. The celebrations continued on the pitch, with both an Under-16 league fixture and a women’s league match taking place after the lunch and speeches but also for several hours in the bar afterwards.

The guest of honour, Lotte Sharp (née Clapp), presented match shirts to the Under-16 side and delivered a heartfelt speech, reflecting on Welwyn RFC as the club where her rugby journey began before progressing to international success with England and, more recently, the United States. The women’s team received their shirts from Lesley Brookes, the club’s first-ever girls’ coach, while Hannah Botterman also shared her support with a video message to the club.

Over the past quarter of a century, the girls’ section has grown from modest beginnings into one of the most respected girls clubs in the country. The club has built a reputation not only for developing players capable of progressing to the professional game, but also for fostering personal growth and confidence in young athletes.

Welwyn RFC is currently the only club in Hertfordshire with more than 100 registered female players and offers girls'-only rugby from Under-8 through to Under-18 level. Many members of the current women’s team began their rugby careers at the club, progressing through its age-grade system.

The club takes immense pride in all those who have been part of its girls’ section—whether playing for enjoyment or advancing to represent Hertfordshire, RFU academies, or international sides. With 10 full internationals having emerged from its ranks, Welwyn RFC’s contribution to the women's & girls' game is widely regarded as exceptional and unlikely to be matched by any clubs nationwide.