The World Cup & RTWRWC Launch!

May 20th wasn’t just another date on the calendar. Oh no, it was the day. The women’s Rugby World Cup trophy arrived in Exeter, gleaming with glory, and carrying with it not just history, but a shiny new design. Theresa and I had known for months about the trophy’s makeover, top-secret stuff, cloak-and-dagger levels of hush-hush. We nodded politely as folks talked about the "usual cup," while secretly grinning like Cheshire cats knowing they were in for a dazzling surprise. And what a stunner it turned out to be! The new trophy is absolutely beautiful, sleek, elegant, and fit for champions.

But the day wasn’t just about the silverware. It was also my personal launch day for the Race to Rugby World Cup challenge...ten (yes, TEN!) ultra marathons in ten days, all in support of ChildFund Rugby. Theresa and I proudly sported our ChildFund Rugby t-shirts (it’s not just a look, it’s a lifestyle), and while the city buzzed with World Cup fever, I bumped into the amazing Katie, Emily, Flo, and Lucy. They were all heading out for coffee, and I was invited to tag along. We sat outside, chatting training, life, and past events, just a bunch of rugby-loving women hyped for what’s ahead.

Then came the whirlwind of press: radio interviews galore, talking about the cause, the crazy 10x10 ultra marathon challenge, and how much this all means, not just to us, but to countless others who’ll benefit from the incredible work of ChildFund Rugby.

But the cherry on the cake (or shall we say, the cream on the scone) came when I met Sarah Massey, Chief Exec of the Rugby World Cup. In the middle of our conversation, completely out of the blue she asked me to speak at the World Rugby conference in London. I nearly choked on my excitement. Of course, I said yes!

Logistics? Well, they looked tricky... Theresa’s work schedule is normally locked down tighter than a scrum at the five-meter line. But, like the absolute legend she is, she moved mountains. She runs her own incredible business, fundraises with superhero-level energy, and still manages to be the best support crew anyone could ask for. She simply said, “I’ll take you.” And just like that, another magical moment was locked in the diary.

We capped off the day at the Guildhall with a delightfully gluten-free scone. All was going well… until I bit into it mid-conversation with the Rugby World Cup brass and it exploded. Cream everywhere. On my face, on my shirt, basically, I turned into dessert! But that’s the joy of it, isn’t it? The mess, the madness, the moments you never forget. Now that the secret’s out, the trophy’s here, and the race is on, we’re charging full-speed ahead into this incredible journey. Fun, laughter, inspiration, and a really supportive support crew ❤️