Protyre News

Protyre Autocare and Continental have teamed up to launch Gear Up Rugby, a campaign to help grassroots girls’ rugby clubs thrive with funding and support.

The initiative has been launched in celebration of this packed year of women’s sport, to provide essential resources and opportunities for local U12 to U18 girls’ rugby clubs.

We are supporting grassroots girls’ clubs across the country and we’ve joined forces with rugby legend Ugo Monye to spread the word.

You can apply for funding for your club or nominate a club you would like to receive support.

The money can be used for a range of activities, from buying new kit and supporting travel expenses, to improving facilities and delivering community outreach.

Supporting local communities through sport

Ugo Monye said: “In this packed year of women's sport, we are trying to make it even easier to be able to introduce young girls and women to your rugby club.

“Well, Continental tyres, the official partner of England Rugby, has joined forces with Protyre Autocare for the Gear Up rugby campaign and this applies to everyone from under 12s up to under 18s.”

Greig Evenett, Regional Technical Trainer for Protyre Autocare and coach at Supermarine Ladies’ Club in Swindon, said: “Backing Gear Up Rugby with Protyre Autocare and Continental is really important for the facilities and equipment that we look to get for the girls, to put money back into the grassroots game. Together we can make a real impact on local communities. “Rugby is all about community, making it the perfect campaign for everybody at Protyre Autocare to get behind.”

Get your nominations in now!

Gear Up Rugby is open to applications until 31 October 2025, so send us your nomination today.

Once submissions close, our expert panel of Red Rose player Ellie Kildunne, former England international Ugo Monye and ambassadors from Protyre Autocare and Continental will select the clubs that will receive Gear Up Rugby support.

Support will be awarded to clubs based on their need.

Supporting grassroots rugby

Grassroots rugby is the first stepping stone to the elite game of rugby. It is the heart and soul of the sport, where anyone can join in and play – from young children learning to play rugby for the first time, to adults looking to stay healthy, active and have fun.

Gear Up Rugby is all about levelling up access to the game and providing long-term impact for girls’ grassroots rugby beyond this packed year of women's sport.

Ugo added: “What does this actually mean? It's trying to allow you to be able to widen the net to capture as many young girls as possible, whether it's through coaching, kit as well as development, in what should be an inspiring year for girls in sport.

“So why do we all join forces in Gear Up for Rugby?”

Apply for Gear Up Rugby funding now

Find out more about Gear Up Rugby and get your nominations or applications in by October 31.