However, promotion to WBSR was the ultimate goal of the Team Surrey x Harlequins partnership, and the team delivered in style with an emphatic 81-5 win away in Nottingham to secure promotion and a place in the University of Surrey history books along the way.
The women's rugby pathway partnership with Harlequins Women has been a huge success since it launched this season, with 5 players making their way into the Harlequins Women Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) side throughout the year. This goes to show the strength of the programme and how it is a crucial part of the pathway into the professional game.
Head of Women's Rugby at Harlequins Women, Pat Metcalf-Jones said “We are absolutely thrilled to see the University qualify for WBSR. This achievement is a testament to the players’ relentless work ethic, the dedication of the coaching staff, and the strength of the programme built over recent years. Stepping up to WBSR presents an exciting new challenge, and we look forward to the team competing at the highest level of university rugby.”
Performance Sport Manager at University of Surrey, Paul Berry-Cudmore said "This is a fantastic achievement and everyone at Team Surrey is incredibly proud of the players and the entire Club for their dedication, commitment and desire this season. Likewise, the coaching staff, medical team and support staff have been outstanding and are a huge part of the success of the programme. We're looking forward to the challenge of WBSR next year as we continue to invest in the development of the programme."