Rugby club break 125-year tradition after concerns about period anxiety

Eccles Rugby Club have broken a 125-year tradition and changed the colour of their shorts from white to navy after concerns were raised by the women’s team about period anxiety.

And the men’s and junior teams have followed suit in a show of solidarity. The decision follows a similar move by the Ireland and Wales national rugby teams, and the Lionesses football team.

Eccles RFC have played in white shorts since they were established in 1897, and since the women’s team joined in 1997.

Ladies captain Sarah Williams said: “It was a big conversation. White shorts have spanned back for years at Eccles. It’s making it more comfortable for women to wear.

“When you come on your period there’s an instant fear. Many times, I’ve been stood in the changing room and the girls have been like, ‘Can you keep an eye out?’

“With blue shorts no one’s going to be worried.”

The club decided to adopt the navy shorts this summer, after concerns were raised in June last year. Although records are incomplete, it is believed the club has worn white shorts since they originally formed in 1897.

All of the club’s teams will adopt the new colour, with the men and women switching now and the Mini teams, Boys junior teams and Colts team wearing the new shorts next season due to their kit-buying cycle.

Men’s captain Finlay Cox said: “We introduced it for the women but it’s a whole club thing. If one does it, then we all do it.

“Everyone wanted to do it but because it’s all volunteers that run it, it was a lot of work for somebody to take the initiative and do it themselves. It’s been a while in the making.”

The club is hoping to encourage more young girls to join as they move forward from their traditional past in the direction of a changing game. The shorts were worn for the first time during the weekend fixtures on October 12 and 13.