New investment in girls' grassroots rugby as volvic's force of nature fund winners are revealed

21st January, 2026: Today, Volvic is announcing the winners of its ‘Force of Nature Fund’, an initiative investing in the growth of women’s rugby at grassroots level. Following its role as the Official Water Supplier of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, Volvic launched the fund in association with England Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 winner and brand ambassador, Natasha Hunt, with the aim of breaking down barriers to participation, inspiring girls across the UK to awaken their inner force and take up the game.

Volvic’s ‘Force of Nature Fund’ was created to give clubs the freedom to invest where they need it most. And now, the recipient clubs are putting the fund to work in practical ways, specific to relevant needs – whether its’s fit-for-purpose spaces, increasing access to female coaches, expanding school engagement, or providing essential equipment. With demand for girls’ rugby growing nationwide, Volvic is thrilled to support these clubs as they strengthen their programmes, welcome new players, and continue to be vital hubs for female sport.

The eight inspiring clubs awarded with Volvic’s ‘Force of Nature Fund’ grants include, Pontefract RUFC,Longlevens RFC, Aylesbury RFC, Eastbourne RFC,Shrewsbury RFC, Minchinhampton RFC, Medway RFC and Sidmouth RFC.

Rachael Hann, Business Unit Director Waters N.Europe at Danone said, “Women’s rugby is riding an incredible wave of momentum, and we want that energy to reach every corner of the country. Through the ‘Force of Nature Fund’, Volvic is proud to be supporting clubs to increase opportunities for girls to pick up a ball, join a team and unleash their inner force.”

Natasha Hunt adds: “Investment in grassroots sport for girls and women is vital to safeguarding the future of the game. It is not simply about participation, but about ensuring young players see sport as a credible career path and a source of lasting enjoyment. Volvic’s ‘Force of Nature Fund’ represents a part of the work helping to widen access so that more girls can take to the field and strengthening the foundations of rugby for generations to come.”

Curious to see how Sidmouth RFC will be using Volvic’s ‘Force of Nature Fund’?

Sidmouth RFC: will use its grant to support the launch of Friday night fixtures as part of its role as an RFU Focus Club driving growth in the female game. Funding will contribute to installing pitch lighting, a critical step to enable evening matches and accommodate rising participation. The initiative aims to build on recent membership growth and create more opportunities for women and girls to play rugby locally.

Sas Huntwood, Director of Junior Rugby for Sidmouth RFC said, “We are just blown away to win this money! It brings us a step closer to getting the lights needed to bring the female game to our Friday nights, kicking off the weekend and expanding our programme to reach more women and girls year-round, providing them with a safe, welcoming environment to train, build friendships, and grow in confidence."