At the start of the season the Saints celebrated their 20th Anniversary, with this promotion topping off an amazing season for the club. St Albans WRFC was formed in 1989 by a group of friends after a challenge in a St Albans pub. Playing, and winning, their first match against Eaton Manor with a squad of just 15 players the club has gone from strength to strength. Moving to Woollams, the home of Old Albanians in 2003, the Saints now boast over 60 players and 2 successful teams. Over the years the club has had many successes reaching the Premiership for a short spell in 1997, and having home grown international players for England, Ireland, and Italy over the 20 years.
The Saints had a fantastic Pre-season, the recruitment of new players was good, particularly from the talented u18’s squad at Welwyn Garden City RFC, and the return of some home grown talent complemented an already strong squad and allowed the club to achieve its primary aim of winning the league.
The results, 13 wins from 14, scoring 75 tries-a staggering 30 more than any other team in the league, they were ready to step up a level but were disappointed that the National Governing Body (RFUW) had decided to hold any promotion due to the impact of the Women's Rugby World Cup in August 2010. However, luck was on the Saints side when a Premiership side from the north asked to be relegated soon after the Saints won the North v South Championship Cup and the rest is history...
Reaching the Premiership is a culmination of 3 years hard work, setting and achieving goals with the ultimate aim to end up in the Premier League. Reaching the Premiership is a massive achievement and a true testament to the spirit of the club and the hard work that goes on behind the scenes and on the pitch.
This achievement is not just down the players on the pitch each week, but testament to the dedication of coaches Ed Knighton, Glyn Barraclough and Andy Weldon, and the never ending support of OA Rugby and fantastic facilities at Woollams.
‘’We really hope to make an impact in the Premiership and whilst it will not be easy by any stretch, we are certain that we are in the league where we belong. The Saints are an amazing club to be involved with and I am extremely proud to be the Chairwoman during this amazing milestone in the history of the Club - and all of this in our 20th Anniversary year!’’ Tasha Saint-Smith, OA Saints Chairwoman.
The 2009/10 season has been an exciting one for all those at Old Albanians. With the Men’s 1st XV also gaining promotion this season to National League 2, the 2010/11 season is set to be an exciting one for the Saints and the whole OA Rugby Club.
OA Saints are recruiting players for the forthcoming season, running 2 sides we would welcome players of all abilities from new players to seasoned internationals! The Saints are also looking for additional coaches to join the team, an assistant 1st XV coach (preferably level 2) and an assistant 2nd XV coach (level 1). Coaching women is a great way to get involved in rugby coaching an opportunity to coach at Premiership level. Anyone interested in playing or coaching should contact OA Saints Chairwoman Tasha Saint-Smith on 07971 849290 or tasha@saintsmith.com
- Saints played at St Albans RFC from 1989-2003, moving to Woollams in Autumn 2003. Woollams is the premier rugby facility in Hertfordshire boasting 5 senior men’s teams, 2 women’s teams, colts, mini’s and juniors along with being the training ground for Saracens.
- OA Saints also run u14’s and u18’s sides, with close links to Welwyn Garden City RFC established u18’s.
- International Representation from:
- Jane Everett (England)
- Trina Edgar (Ireland)
- Nadia Brannon (Italy)
- Sarah McKenna, Karina Page & Cath Botterman (England A)
- Geri Thomas, Milly Fuggles, Hannah Clark ( England u20s)
- Megan Williams (Wales u20s)
1 comment:
Nice to hear that OA Saints WRFC is now promoted to the Elite Women's Rugby Premiership. I'm sure that they will give a good fight in scheduled rugby game(s) that they will be playing off.
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