Mark and Simon watched the gritty 20-3 victory over France in the semi-final on Tuesday 22nd August and attended the tournament decider on Saturday 26th against the Black Ferns, which England narrowly lost and finished runners up.
As well as witnessing some high quality World Cup rugby, there was an opportunity to further develop conversations with some of the England players on the opportunity of working at SNAP and/or Lions Sports Academy after the World Cup finishes.
Conversations with the squad thus far have been very positive and Mark & Simon are very much looking forward to chatting to the players post World Cup.
The Red Roses Initiative
After the Women’s World Cup Final the majority of the England Squad are back to full time employment due to the RFU shifting their focus to Sevens for the coming season.
Simon Pennock, has invested in two rugby based businesses, SNAP being one and Lions Sports Academy the other.
Simon has a solution for the England Squad and has offered every woman who is without a job a three-month contract on the same financial terms as the one they had with the RFU, and expects to offer them full time work after this period. Those players that are interested in the strategic and commercial part of sport have the opportunity to work with SNAP Sponsorship.
Simon was a player at Richmond Rugby Club when the club hosted the first Women’s International in 1985 and launched the second ever English Women’s team in 1986.
“I love rugby and want to help these women, as well as create a revolution within the grassroots game so that future stars can emerge – These players are perfect role models for youngsters in the game.” - The Rugby Paper
“Every woman who has the determination and skill to play rugby for their country can also be a beacon to inspire grassroots clubs. To help develop the next generation of players and stars and inspire young people to get fitter, gain confidence and perform better in the classroom and on the sports field.”
Simon and Mark have already met with several impacted players in Ireland and will be meeting other interested players after the World Cup.
We understand the RFU have an end-to-end strategy for Women’s rugby and are working with the squad to help with their future careers and we are keen to help. This offer that gives them a stop-gap during which they can make a valuable contribution to grassroots rugby and young people while also having time and resources to plan their own next steps.
