News
Devon Girls U16 PDG Impress Against Dorset & Wiltshire
The Devon Girls U16 Player Development Group (PDG) delivered an outstanding performance on Sunday 12th April, travelling to Sherborne RFC to take on Dorset & Wiltshire in a double-header fixture.
The U16 PDG programme brings together players from two school year groups; Year 10 and Year 11. On this occasion, Devon fielded two squads to reflect that structure. The Devon Greens, made up of the older Year 11 players, faced Dorset & Wiltshire’s Northern side, predominantly representing Wiltshire. Meanwhile, the Devon Whites, comprised of Year 10 players, took on the Southern side, largely made up of Dorset athletes.
Both matches were fiercely contested and played at a high standard, with each game remaining finely balanced throughout. Spectators were treated to excellent passages of play, well-worked team tries and powerful individual carries, highlighting not only the talent within the squads but also the effectiveness of the PDG programme in developing players.
Devon ultimately secured emphatic victories in both fixtures. The Devon Greens ran out 44–21 winners against the Northern side, while the Devon Whites claimed a strong 36–28 victory over the Southern team. The results reflected both the depth of talent across the age groups and the continued growth of the female game within the county.
The strength of the programme was further underlined this same weekend, with five former PDG players representing at U18s and U21s Six Nations level. Honey Kerslake (U18s & U20s), Beth Hall, Alice Fleming and Lucie Sams all featured for England, while Sophie Gilvear represented Scotland - clear evidence of the pathway in Devon producing players capable of competing on the international stage.
For the Year 10 players, the journey continues as they move into their second year within the PDG programme. They will be joined in September by a new cohort of players currently competing at U14 level across Devon, ensuring a strong pathway for emerging talent.
The day also marked a significant moment for the programme, as current lead coach Sian Brooks oversaw her final fixtures after four years in the role. The performances, results and positive spirit in which the matches were played provided a fitting conclusion to her tenure.
Looking ahead, the programme remains in excellent hands, with Dave Armstrong of Exmouth Rugby Club and Jamie Ball from Kingsbridge Rugby Club set to take on the lead roles next season and continue building on this success.
Girls’ rugby in Devon continues to thrive across all areas of the club game, with strong participation, clear development pathways, and performances like these demonstrating a bright future for the sport in the county.