Enfield Ignatians RFC launched new changing rooms ahead of hosting the club’s first-ever women’s fixture

RFU president Deborah Griffin OBE cuts the ribbon on the new facilities at Enfield Ignatians' clubhouse — RFU president Deborah Griffin OBE cuts the ribbon on the new facilities at Enfield Ignatians’ clubhouse

Enfield’s top rugby club has celebrated the opening of upgraded facilities at its home in Donkey Lane – before hosting its first women’s fixture.

Enfield Ignatians RFC unveiled new-look changing rooms in a special clubhouse ceremony last Friday (5^th).

Rugby Football Union (RFU) president Deborah Griffin OBE cut the ribbon to officially open the new facility, joined by Middlesex County RFU president Andrew Smart and Enfield Council’s deputy mayor Nelly Gyosheva, among others.

The clubhouse has been extended and refurbished to create four changing rooms, each with their own separate shower and toilet areas. They now allow men’s and women’s games to take place simultaneously – just in time for Enfield Ignatians to field the club’s very first women’s team.

The £350,000 refurbishment was made possible by both a grant and loan from the RFU, supported by Middlesex RFU, as well as a crowdfunding campaign and other fundraising initiative. Several local businesses also helped by providing services and materials for free or at discounted rates.

Club president Stephen Renny said: “This isn’t just about bricks and mortar, but represents a commitment to greater inclusivity and playing experience at our club. To the RFU, and companies which provided materials and labour, and all members who rolled up their sleeves and made it happen, I would just like to say one thing: thank you.”

Enfield Ignatians new women's team — Enfield Ignatians’ new women’s team

On Saturday (6th) the club staged four fixtures for both sexes – two in the morning and two in the afternoon – with the new Ignatians women’s team scoring a 27-22 victory over Finchley in their first game.

It comes as England host the Women’s Rugby Union World Cup, with a clash against rivals Scotland scheduled for the quarter-finals this weekend. Ready to capitalise on the tournament’s boost to women’s rugby, Enfield Ignatians reports that 30% of the club’s 300 youth players are now girls, following strong recent growth.

The club also says it is “working closely with Enfield Council” to encourage more people to take up the sport – by promoting Enfield Playing Fields as a “rugby hub and centre of sporting excellence”.

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