8.20am. It’s the first, cold Sunday morning of December and RHUL Women’s Rugby are standing at the bus stop in full force ready for the sprint of their life. Soon after arriving in Staines they are positioned on the starting line dressed top to toe in Santa attire and Belz Stile’s crutches festively decorated with tinsel, along with other local residents doing a heavy warm up session for the run of their life… 1.5miles.

Determination sweeps across the team’s faces, as the organisers announce the run will begin shortly. Yes, this race is open to all age groups and yes, we may have been wearing beards, but the race was not taken light heartedly. The horn is blown and the team sprints off with the attitude of dominating and destroying this sprint.

The Spelthorne Santa Sprint is held annually with an entry fee of £8.50 to help raise money for the local community. However, Women’s rugby used the opportunity to help raise money for the charity Right to Play UK. This charity helps give disadvantaged children all over the world the opportunity to play sports, which may not have been easily accessed before. It is a cause which is very close to all of the hearts of the Women’s Rugby and continue to have a strong relationship with.

Overall, the day was a success. It was enjoyed by all, but most importantly allowed Women’s Rugby to raise £345 for Right to Play UK with the money still coming in. Well done ladies!