Under a clear blue sky and in front of a large and supportive crowd, Devon’s U16s Player Development Group (PDG) squads brought their season to a fitting close with two impressive wins over Cornwall at Devonport Services RFC on Sunday afternoon.
This final fixture marked the culmination of a season-long development journey for the players, who have been part of the PDG, formerly known as the Developing Player Programme (DPP). The initiative aims to identify and nurture emerging talent, and this year saw over 60 girls selected from 10 clubs across Devon, each representing the County with pride, commitment, and skill.
With two full squads fielded by each county, it was Devon who controlled proceedings throughout, displaying the confidence, structure, and cohesion that have been carefully developed over months of training. Both Devon teams secured convincing wins, but the true success of the day lay in the quality of rugby on display and the progression seen across the group.
The matches served as a proud showcase of the growing depth of talent in girls’ rugby across the County. From powerful carries to intelligent support play and impressive defensive organisation, the standard of rugby highlighted the exciting future ahead for U18s and Women’s County rugby in Devon.
This season has not been without its challenges, and the success of the programme is testament to the unwavering commitment of many. A sincere thank you goes to the parents and guardians who have supported their daughters throughout the campaign; enduring countless hours of travel through driving rain and freezing conditions to make training and fixtures possible.
Credit is also due to the dedicated coaching teams, whose tireless efforts in developing not only the players’ technical ability but also their confidence and love for the game have made a lasting impact.
Special thanks must also go to Devonport Services RFC for their generous hospitality in hosting the two simultaneous fixtures. Their support and excellent facilities helped create a fantastic environment in which the players could thrive.
As the curtain comes down on this year’s U16s PDG programme, it is clear that the future of Devon girls’ rugby is in safe and talented hands.
Squads:
1. Lucie Sams – Kingsbridge
2. Lexie Ball – Kingsbridge
3. Taylor Murphy – Devonport
4. Matilda Thompson – Ivybridge
5. Aimee Guppy (co-capt) – Newton Abbot
6. Rebekka Herselman – Kingsbridge
7. Chloe Bailey – Exmouth
8. Amelia Winzer – Kingsbridge
9. Ella Moss – Ivybridge
10. Beth Hall (co-capt) – Devonport
11. Alice Oldman – Ivybridge
12. Alice Fleming – Ivybridge
13. Evie Rowntree – Exeter Saracens
14. Asena Bakani – Devonport
15. Georgia Hesford – Newton Abbot
FINISHERS
16. Kacey Bryant – Newton Abbot
17. Amelia Feasby – Newton Abbot
18. Kitty Tucker – Kingsbridge
19. Ava Butler (co-capt) – Kingsbridge
20. Evie Fairley-Hobbs – Exmouth
21. Zara Butt – Newton Abbot
22. Olivia Burton – Devonport
23. Charlotte Geach – Exeter Saracens
1. Grace Connor-Fortune – Exeter Saracens
2. Maisy Killian – Exeter Saracens
3. Daisy Goolden – Devonport
4. Lauren Cann – Okehampton•
5. Merryn Brown – Devonport
6. Robyn Morris – Topsham
7. Charlotte Nuttall (co-capt) – Newton Abbot
8. Megan MacDonald – Crediton
9. Bo Widdicombe – Devonport
10. Marley Warren – Newton Abbot
11. Florence Hockaday – Topsham
12. Erin MacDonald (co-capt) – Crediton
13. Sarah Pezzani – Exeter Saracens
14. Izzy Davies – Exmouth
15. Lexi Armstrong – Exmouth
FINISHERS
16. Molly Merrett-Tongue -Exeter Saracens
17. Liv Pattinson – Exeter Saracens
18. Bella Price – Exeter Saracens
19. Emily Fenner – Exmouth
20. Aeryn Bracher – Ivybridge
21. Darcy Tee – Okehampton
22. Jessica Massey – Exeter Saracens
23. Scarlett Davey – Exeter Saracens
