The Met Police Women kick-off their Allianz Inner Warrior Series this Sunday, playing hosts to Old Albanians, making a trip round the M25 from their home in Hertfordshire. The Met have combined with Finsbury Park RFC to ensure a competitive fixture, whilst also giving our friends from N17 the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful facilities at Imber Court.

The Inner Warrior Series (IWS), backed by RFU sponsor, Allianz, is a rugby program that offers a welcoming way for people to try rugby for the first time or return to the sport. For new players, the IWS is a great way to get started playing rugby. It's open to all levels of experience and offers flexible options to help new players build confidence. Clubs are encouraged by the RFU to run Inner Warrior Camps to welcome new women to their club. Teams can play at a frequency that suits them, and games are played in a way that's enjoyable for both teams with the rules being adapted to ensure everyone feels comfortable and stays safe. For example, teams may play non-contact or with reduced team sizes.

The Met's involvement in the Series is a major statement of the intention to join the full Women's league structure in season 25-26.

The match on Sunday will look to build on the Met's fantastic win against Chobham in September, with the squad eager to take to the Imber Court turf to show off their burgeoning skills again.
Emeka Dawkins, who featured in the Middlesex County U18 squad last season, makes her debut for the Met Police and will hopefully draw many other youngsters to the Women's game in general and the Met in particular. The Met will be missing a few of its more experienced names so it is a good opportunity for newcomers to make their mark.

Old Albanian Saints are looking to add more players and interest to their already successful Women's squad. Saints 1st XV plays in Division 1 of the Women's Championship South and have already recorded three wins this season, including a 19-0 victory against our near neighbours, London Irish. The St. Albans Club boasts a Women's 2nd XV as well as a strong Girls set-up, running teams from U18 down to U14.

It promises to be a good test for the Met Women, and a good Sunday afternoon for the spectators.