Celebrating inspirational women with Gloucester Rugby

As part of our sponsorship of Gloucester Rugby and Gloucester Rugby Business Club, we were delighted to be involved in their ‘Inspirational Women of Gloucestershire’ event, in celebration of International Women’s Day 2025.

Coincidentally, on the day of the ‘Inspirational Women of Gloucestershire’ event, Kingsholm stadium was still sporting its temporary re-brand of ‘Queensholm’ in honour of women’s team Gloucester-Hartpury, who played a crucial match against Bristol Bears in the PWR semi-final on Sunday 2 March.

Joining a fascinating panel of speakers, which included a Baroness and an Olympic athlete, Jenny Hawrot – partner and head of our employment law and business immigration team – spoke about equality in the legal sector and the importance of women having allies in their organisation.

Gloucester-Hartpury player Steph Else, who has also played for the England womens’ rugby team shared her experience of being a female rugby player. She also spoke of how it feels to be an inspiration to girls everywhere and how receiving personalised bracelets from fans never gets old.

Recently appointed patron of Gloucester Rugby Charitable Foundation, Baroness Rennie Fritchie DBE – who is a former member of the House of Lords and has held a lengthy career in training and development – spoke of “unlocking doors” for female leadership. The Baroness has supported many women in Gloucestershire throughout their careers and discussed how 45 years since the introduction of the equality act, there is still much to do.

Another key speaker at the event was Gloucestershire-based former Olympian Charlotte Hodgkins-Byrne OLY. Charlotte shared the challenges and opportunities she faced in her journey to becoming an Olympic athlete and beyond.

Carey Weeks – Director of partnerships at The Jockey Club – also discussed the value of partnerships in making racing an inclusive sport that everybody can enjoy.

Willans’ three season sponsorship of Gloucester Rugby and Gloucester Rugby Business Club was confirmed at the end of 2024. As the organisation’s official legal provider, our partnership includes providing advice on commercial matters such as employment, real estate and corporate affairs.