Women’s team launched at Chinnor RFC

CHINNOR RFC Thame have announced the launch of a women’s team, with Fran Ronan appointed Head Coach. 

In a statement, a club spokesperson said: “It has been more than a decade since we were able to field a senior ladies side and this move reinforces our commitment of providing inclusive rugby for our community. The women’s team further builds on the success of our girls Under 12s & 13s, who enjoyed a successful first year last season.”

Although only 24-years-old, Fran joins the Club with a wealth of experience, having played county rugby for Northumberland as well as for Oxford Brookes University and the Adjutant General’s Corps while she was an officer cadet. Most recently, she has been Head Coach at Oxford, as well as holding a coaching role with Oxford University. She is also the Head Coach of Oxfordshire Women. Fran will be assisted by Karl Crockford, with Chinnor due to play in the Inner Warrior Series. 

Fran herself said: “I’m delighted to become the Women’s Head Coach at Chinnor RFC Thame. I’m very excited; it’s quite a big thing to be a part of. The Club has an amazing community and I’ve never really felt quite a welcome as big as the one I got here. This Club has put in a lot of work to move forward and grow, and it has the potential to be one of the biggest clubs in the country if it continues the way it is. 

“It’s a very appealing environment for someone to play rugby, be part of the community, while still having those values around the sport and desire to develop. I’m so passionate about making sure people enjoy rugby because it’s a crazy sport. It’s going to be a lot of fun.” 

Amanda Pearce Higgins, Chinnor RFC Thame Board Member with responsibility for Community Engagement, Equality and Diversity, said:  “I’m very excited about the new women’s senior team at Chinnor RFC Thame. I’m truly passionate about getting as many people as possible playing and enjoying sport, in particular women and girls. This is a big step forward in Chinnor’s recent history and demonstrates our commitment to being a community sports club open to all.” 

Chinnor RFC Thame Director of Rugby, Richard Thorpe added: “I’m delighted to begin working with our new women’s team. In delivering our vision of becoming the outstanding community club in Oxfordshire, our new women’s team will be playing an important role within it. It’s my personal ambition to see our senior women and senior men not only share the training field, but to share a matchday as well. Whilst our senior men’s team are role models for the rest of our community, the same goes for our senior women’s team, who will undoubtedly directly influence our girls teams. I have no doubt that in the years to come we will see more Oxfordshire ladies and girls pick up a rugby ball here at Kingsey Road.” 

Prospective new players of all abilities are welcome and are encouraged to email Fran on:

women@chinnor-rfc.com