Leicester Tigers marked their Premiership Women’s Rugby debut at Welford Road last Sunday against last year’s finalists Exeter Chiefs with a battling 44-27 defeat, having trailed by only five points in the last ten minutes.
This performance was a significant improvement from their previous encounter, a 61-7 defeat at home against the Chiefs, with the return of their international players including Scotland winger Francesca McGhie from the WXV undoubtedly a major factor.
The 20-year-old made her international debut for Scotland against England and scored a remarkable solo try against Ireland in the 2023 TikTok Women’s Six Nations. She contributed significantly as Scotland clinched WXV 2 in South Africa in October.
McGhie emphasised Leicester Tigers‘ rich history of success, particularly the women’s team’s triumph in securing The Championship North 1 title last year as being key factors in her decision to join the club.
She said: “One of the main reasons was to play in the Women’s Premiership as there’s more input into England’s rugby than into Scotland’s rugby at this level.
“Leicester Tigers is such an established club, the men’s team have such a following and the women’s team had such successful Championship season last year.”
The youngster has noticed substantial progress within the Tigers’ squad since her arrival in the summer, and attributes it to the invaluable match experience gained by the team. It is that experience she believes will be crucial across the squad in a club season that is heavily impacted by international fixtures.
“The squad that we were at the start of pre-season is entirely different to what we are now,” she added. “The girls getting experience in the cup against top Premiership sides was so important as you know what those games are going to be like so you need to train at that intensity all the time.”
“The whole squad will be important this year and every person counts and off the pitch we get to know each other really well. The dynamic doesn’t change when our internationals are away, we keep going the way we want to go.”
McGhie believes that the Tigers are looking to bring an exciting brand of rugby to the Women’s Premiership this season, and is looking forward to getting more exposure with their Kingsholm clash against Gloucester–Hartpury on Saturday following the men at the same venue.
“We’re going to be an exciting team,” she commented. “We’re focusing a lot on attack now, we have some great players and are becoming cohesive, we want to play great rugby and enjoy this season and make progress which we already are.”
“The double headers will bring in some great crowds for the women, which is how the men can help get that exposure for us.”
McGhie says all of the Tigers players want to inspire more girls to take up rugby.
She added: “Every one of us trains and plays wanting to inspire the next generation. I’ve met my best friends, my favourite teammates and the best coaches through women’s rugby. I’d encourage anyone to start women’s rugby at any age.”
Written by Matthew Luddington
For exclusive stories and all the detailed rugby news you need, subscribe to The Rugby Paper website, digital edition, or newspaper from as little as 14p a day.
