The Scarlets’ have formed an exciting new partnership with Old Northamptonians Ladies, giving them access to extra training and more experience of the competitive side of rugby.

This is the first time the UON Women’s Rugby Team has been offered such an association, which will increase the likelihood of them being able to join the BUCS league next year.

Seven of the UON ladies are already signed up for the team, including Carys Wellicome (President), Lydia Hardwick (Captain) and Olivia Liddington (Welfare Rep).

Sebastian Rodriguez from the Student’s Union has organised the payment of the membership fees to encourage the Scarlets to take up this opportunity.

President Carys Wellicome said: “we really wanted to push for more of our girls from uni to play competitively, so we’ve encouraged the team to go up there.

“The coaches have really supported the uni girls from the level that we play here, to progress into a more competitive level.

“I’ve definitely noticed that when we come back to uni, there’s so much more confidence amongst the girls.”

Between the two teams, the ladies now have access to training sessions three times a week to help them further develop their skills.

The Old Northamptonians also play regular matches on Sundays and are currently ninth in division one of the National Championships League.

“I think we just need to keep pushing through, it’s a really great team of girls and the training that we are putting in is definitely showing,” said Wellicome.  

“There’s games which are very difficult and there’s games that are slightly easier for us but if we keep training, I’m sure we’ll get up to one of the top spots.”

This partnership is a huge opportunity for the Scarlets’ who are ready to kick off their first university match with renewed confidence.