Hartpury University and Hartpury College are proud to see current and former students representing their nations at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Among the most exciting stories is the selection of current Gloucester Hartpury WRFC pathway players Nel and Branwen Metcalfe, who have been named in Wales head coach Sean Lynn’s 32-player squad. They join fellow Nant Conwy clubmates Gwenllian and Alaw Pyrs in a remarkable achievement for the north Wales community rugby club, which has produced not one but two sets of sisters for this year’s tournament.
For Branwen, captain of Wales U20s, this will be her first taste of senior international rugby, while Nel is relishing the chance to represent her country alongside her sister. Both balance their rugby commitments with academic studies at Hartpury, highlighting the strength of the institution’s player pathway.
They are joined by fellow current pathway players Tilly Vucaj and Seren Lockwood, who are also gaining invaluable experience as part of the World Cup environment.
Hartpury University and Hartpury College’s alumni presence across the tournament is equally impressive.
Zoe Aldcroft, Sarah Bern, Hannah Botterman, Alex Matthews, Holly Aitchison and Ellie Kildunne are among those representing England, while Mo Hunt, Meg Jones, Emma Sing and Zoe Harrison also bring Hartpury’s total contribution to the Red Roses squad into double figures.
For Wales, alumni such as Bethan Lewis, Bryonie King, and Meg Davis feature in a squad overseen by former Gloucester Hartpury head coach Sean Lynn (supported by Dan Murphy – Head of Women’s Rugby at Hartpury University and College), alongside Gloucester Hartpury stars including Lleucu George, Gwen Crabb, Kelsey Jones and Maisie Davies.
For Scotland, Sarah Bonar, Leia Brebner-Holden (former Hartpury staff member), Caity Mattinson, and former Gloucester Hartpury player Lisa Cockburn are named.
For Ireland, Neve Jones, Sam Monaghan, and Ellena Perry are named in the squad.
Former Gloucester Hartpury players will also represent the United States, Canada, and Spain.
Mick Axtell, Chief Operating Officer of Hartpury University and College, oversees the institution’s rugby academy. He said: “To have so many of Hartpury’s current students, graduates and pathway players representing multiple nations at the World Cup is incredible. The story of the Metcalfe and Pyrs sisters’ progression to now wearing the red of Wales is amazing and watching alumni legends like Zoe Aldcroft and Mo Hunt is always special. We’re proud that Hartpury University and College have played a part in their journeys and look forward to watching them all compete on the global stage. No doubt they all will continue to inspire current and future students.”
Hartpury University and Hartpury College’s unique rugby pathway allows players to combine elite training with academic excellence, providing a proven route into professional and international rugby. With so many students and alumni involved at this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup, Hartpury continues to set the standard for player development and sporting success.
The tournament will get underway on Friday (22 August) when England take on the United States of America at 19:30. For the first time ever, the World Cup will take place across eight English venues including Brighton & Hove, Bristol, Exeter, London, Manchester, Northampton, Sunderland and York.
Watch every game of the Women’s Rugby World Cup for free in the UK
With all four home nations having qualified for this year’s tournament, it’s welcome news that UK viewers can watch Women’s Rugby World Cup live streams for every single game – and they’re all FREE, courtesy of the BBC.
All 32 matches will be available on streaming service BBC iPlayer, the BBC website and app.
BBC iPlayer is free to use, but you do need an up-to-date TV Licence to stream live TV in the UK. You’ll also need to complete a simple registration to access the service.
