Saturday 26th September 2026 will be a date that will live long in the memory for 18 ladies of Tottonians, who after some 14 years without, finally ran onto the Water Lane turf to play a game of rugby.
 
Tears flowed, emotions filled the changing room – the actual ladies changing room with names of former ‘Totties’ emblazed on the pegs – which was being used by the ladies for the first time.  The team, under the tutelage of coaches Rich Buck and Mike Searle, came together in early May under the disguise of “come and get fit this summer” and became the new Tottonians Ladies.
 
“The team have been grafting throughout the summer months, increasing their fitness levels and getting to grips with new skills and new team mates and now it was time to put this into action,” said a very proud Bucky.
 
There was a buzz of anticipation, nervousness and pure joy in the changing room before skipper Lydia Barber, one of the few remaining Totties from yesteryear, led them out, being welcomed to the pitch by a guard of honour formed by numerous players from the senior squads.
 
 
It meant the world to Lydia to be asked to captain the side.  “A women’s rugby team has been missing from Tottonians for about 13 to 14 years now,” she said.
 
“The idea of starting this back up again has been whispered about for the past four years, especially due to the growth of girls and women entering into the sport nationwide plus the continuing success of the Red Roses.
 
“The main drive to make this happen has been Bucky and Mikey by volunteering their time to be the coaches.  They sold the sessions initially as ‘summer fitness sessions’ for women at the club and outside of it.  Just turn up, run around, socialise and familiarise themselves with the club with no pressure.  And many ladies did.  The mixture of women who showed up range from rugby mums returning to the game to some who have never touched a rugby ball before.
 
“To keep the interest of everyone some basic rugby passing drills were added into the mix.  Which developed into attack and defence drills to then reach the point where everyone could play a form of touch rugby.
 
“The interest has grown over time due to word of mouth, the help of social media and possibly the lovely weather we had! Women who have turned up and enjoyed themselves have then told their friend about it who have then come along the next week to give it a go.”
 
The ladies put on a show, beating the Tottonians select mens side 50-30 in front of a strong crowd, which included some of the original ‘Totties’ (the Totties were the original Tottonians Women’s side that played in the late 1990s and early 2000s), who beamed with pride seeing a team of ladies follow in their footsteps in the green, black and white.  There was loads of tries, loads of laughter and a great social afterwards watching the Red Roses take another win.
 
That Saturday was all about the ladies who took the plunge and signed up.  The delight in their faces was a joy to see and they are now a team, a team of friends, a team of team mates and a team going forward – from mums and partners of players who play to those who have played before, for Tottonians or otherwise, to those who have never picked up a rugby ball and never had any wish to do so … here they are!
 
Here is Sophie Harrison, a mum of a youngster playing in the minis but has also been involved behind the scenes at the club for a number of years.  “I’ve been part of the extended Totts family since my son joined in the U6s and some of you may recognise me and my increasingly eccentric hair from the Sunday kitchen or behind the bar over the last two years.
 
 
“I’ve never considered myself particularly sporty, so joining the ladies every Saturday this summer has been quite the revelation.  The match on Saturday was so much fun and I can’t wait to do it again.
 
“It just goes to show, you’re never too old to learn something new or discover muscles you didn’t know existed!”
 
Another to play in the game on Saturday was Helen Tongue, the mother of first team winger Leo, who has been around the club for over 20 years.  “In 2005 when my son Leo joined the U7 team and I became one of Tottonians many ‘Rugby Mums’, dutifully cheering him on from the sideline in all weathers,” she said.
 
“Over the last 21 years I have watched hundreds of games and never really understood what the appeal was or why anyone would want to put themselves up to spend 80 minutes running around at speed and being chased and tackled in the hope of getting across that tryline!
 
“On Saturday, I got it!  I had the privilege of putting on a Totts shirt and playing with the women’s team after stepping out of my comfort zone and joining training sessions in May.  I had no intention ever to play in a match; it was purely an opportunity to get fit and try something new.  How that view has changed!
 
“The whole experience, from getting ready together in the changing rooms, running out onto the pitch as a team, and then playing against the Vets, was absolutely incredible.  There was such a fantastic feeling of being part of something special and the sense of pride and togetherness at the end of the game was amazing – made even better by the fact that we actually beat them!
 
“Our coaches Bucky and Mikey have been absolutely amazing.  Lots of us are new to rugby and it was daunting when we started to learn the drills and techniques.  They have supported and encouraged us every step of the way, been patient when we haven’t quite got it and have given us the confidence to keep going. We are lucky to have them.
 
“The ladies in the team show exactly what sport should be about – inclusion, support, friendship and having fun together. There is no judgement, no pressure and no expectation to be anything other than yourself.  Everyone is welcomed, encouraged and supported whatever their experience or ability.  They celebrate each other’s successes, pick each other up when things don’t go quite right and genuinely make everyone feel like they belong.  Such a brilliant, kind and supportive group – I am proud to be part of it!
 
“Many people have asked what Leo thinks about me playing rugby. He has been incredibly supportive from the very beginning – we’ve practised different drills together and he even took me out to buy my first pair of rugby boots! It was really special to wear the number 11 shirt on Saturday but I’ll leave the try-scoring to him!”
 
LEO and HELEN TONGUE AT HOME BEFORE THE GAME ON SATURDAY
 
Grace Angove was another who was an original ‘Tottie’ and was tempted to pull the boots back on again, over a decade after doing so previously.  “I never thought I would get the opportunity to pull on a Totts jersey again after the Totties ended,” said Grace.
 
“This Saturday was an absolute joy.  The buzz amongst the ‘new ladies’ is amazing, the enthusiasm is infectious!  Hopefully this is the start of something, watch this space!  For now I am so happy to have been able to run out on the pitch and be part of the new beginning for Tottonians Ladies!”
The final words are with Lydia Barber, who battled to create a women’s team for a number of years.  “Being asked what this means to me, the simple answer is everything!
 
“There is a new buzz around the club for what potential this team has to offer.  There is support given in time, effort and monetary costs to provide the women with a safe, friendly and welcoming environment to ensure their longevity.  Honestly? It’s about damn time.”
 
Here come the girls?  No, here comes Tottonians Ladies!