Cornwall's women's rugby team is on the cusp of making history, and it's not just about the game itself. As they prepare to take on Durham in the Division Two final of the Gill Burns Cup at Twickenham, the team's head coach, Jo Holden, is hoping for more than just a win. She envisions this moment as a catalyst for change, a chance to inspire and elevate women's rugby in Cornwall and beyond.
Holden's passion is palpable as she speaks about the team's journey. "I see my role as pushing women to do better in Cornwall, pushing them to play at a higher level, and putting themselves on the map," she says. "If it takes us to do that, I'm more than happy."
The team's success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches alike. Since being promoted to the second tier four years ago, they've seen a surge in the number of women's teams in the county. Holden attributes this to the players' determination to inspire others. "We've got so many more women's teams in the county now, and I'm very proud of the fact that a lot of the girls in the county have been pushing other women to play rugby, to be better at rugby, and to get the levels up and move forward."
However, the team's path to Twickenham hasn't been without challenges. They lost to Durham in the semi-finals a couple of years ago, and Holden admits that the team is up against a formidable opponent this time around. "If I'm honest, it's kind of the finish to the story that I wanted because we lost to them in the semi-finals a couple of years ago - they put on a very dominant performance," she says. "We know they're a very physical team, they always have been. I think hopefully this time we can be a little bit more prepared for that and be ready."
Despite the challenges, Holden remains optimistic. She believes that the team's performance this season has been a significant achievement, and she hopes that the experience will be transformative for the players. "No matter the result at the weekend, I'm incredibly proud of what they've done," she says. "I hope they take in every minute of it, I hope they soak it up. I hope we make an experience for them as well - from when we leave on Friday to when we come home on Sunday."
The team's success is not just about winning; it's about the impact they're having on the sport in Cornwall. Holden wants to ensure that people start to realize there's a women's team, not just a men's team. "As a coaching team, all we ever wanted was for Cornish rugby to be taken seriously," she says. "I think the nice thing for me as well is that we have a couple of girls in the squad that did watch the 2022 final, and they are now playing."
The team's journey to Twickenham is a powerful reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion in sports. It's a story of resilience, determination, and the power of inspiration. As the team prepares to take on Durham, they carry with them the hope of not just winning, but of leaving a lasting legacy for women's rugby in Cornwall and beyond.
