The RFUW team has been strengthened with the appointment of two new Women’s Rugby Development Managers (WRDMs) for the North and Southwest Regions.

Jo Wells, takes on the WRDM role in the North, whilst Katy Storie becomes WRDM for the Southwest.

Jo has a wealth of experience in rugby as both player and administrator. For the last four years she has been the Girls Rugby Development Officer for Northumberland Rugby Union as well as leading the Literacy Development Team for Newcastle Literacy Trust. As a player Jo represented Oxford University at the age of 19 playing in the first ever Varsity Match. She has played for both Saracens and Novocastrians, and is one of very few ‘utility forwards’ in the game, having played prop, hooker, flanker and Number 8. Jo has also been a member of the RFUW Board for the past two seasons.

Katy has worked as RFUW Student Director since 2002 as well as holding the position of Regional Development Manager in Yorkshire for the Women's Sports Foundation. She played for England A in the 2003-04 season and travelled to Canada for the Churchill Cup trip in June. However, she is still searching for that first elusive cap.

Rosie Williams, Managing Director of the RFUW welcomed the appointments:
 
“I would like to congratulate both Jo and Katie on their recent appointments. The development of women’s rugby in the community is a critical part of delivering the RFUW’s Plans and I am sure they will both play significant parts in helping us to achieve our vision.”

The WRDMs are responsible for the development of women’s and girl’s rugby in their regions throughout England and will link with the RFU team and Regional Sports Boards to further enhance the game of rugby at a grassroots level.