Unstoppable Together: The power of women’s sport
As International Women’s Day approaches, we want to celebrate the achievements of women, not only those of the amazing women in our business, but also those of the female athletes we support.
At Rossborough and Gallagher, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that benefits our clients, teams, and the communities we serve. We're dedicated to empowering women, developing future leaders, and recognising their accomplishments.
While we are a global business, and support initiatives that benefit women across the world, Gallagher is an Official Partner of Women’s Rugby and a sponsor of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
We’re also a founding partner of the High Performance Academy, a programme aimed at increasing female representation in coaching and high-performance roles within elite rugby - we always take great pride in being a community broker and as such are passionate about supporting women in sport through local and grassroots initiatives, such as our sponsorship of the Vagabonds Ladies Rugby team here, in the Isle of Man.
The Vagabonds Ladies Rugby team has proudly represented the Isle of Man for over 26 years, standing strong as the island's only ladies rugby team.
With a deep-rooted sense of family, confidence and an unbreakable bond among their players, the team offers a unique and empowering experience for women aged 17 and over.
We're very excited to be hosting a match on International Women’s Day – Sunday 9th March – that will showcase the talent and dedication of our local female rugby players and caught up with some of the team ahead of the big game to hear their thoughts on the power (and benefits) of women’s sport!
Kyla Akey-Quayle – Second Row, or Flanker (forward)
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
They don’t know it’s your first time. I use this so much in my life. No one knows unless you reveal it, so might as well crush it and fake that confidence until you have that confidence.
Dr Meg Kerwin - Wing (backs)
What would you say to girls/women who would like to try a new sport (or undertake a challenge), but don’t have the confidence to go for it?
Put aside your excuses about not being fit enough/strong enough/fast enough/good enough at running! I thought I wasn't any good at throwing and catching, but the more I've stuck at rugby and practiced, the better I've become! I even got my first try last game.
If you're nervous, come along with a friend, or if no one will come with you then just get stuck in and you'll quickly make friends - it's an absolute highlight of my week to spend a couple of hours rolling around in the mud with these ladies.
Georgie Quayle - Second Row (forward)
What do you think can be done to encourage women/ girls into sports?
There needs to be more opportunities for girls and women to find the sports that they will fall in love with! More ‘come and try it’ days, more varied sports in schools and more funding put in at grass roots level, so that there’s less barriers for women.
Maisie Murray - Prop or Hooker (forward)
What do you value most about being part of the Vagabonds team?
I value the family feeling of the club. My mum is the reason I joined Vagabonds, and it’s brought me a second family.
Bliss Murtagh – 13 or 15 (backs)
Do you think there is greater equality in sport for women and do you think there is still further to go? How can we achieve greater equality?
Rugby is a male dominated sport, but due to the recent publicity around the women’s teams in the PWR, it is up-and-coming for a lot of young girls and women to get involved.
Lauren Ellison – 10 or 12 (backs)
What can be done to encourage girls into the sport?
Meaningful, purposeful and fun opportunities – then from that build friendships and teamwork! You keep coming back if you love hanging out with the people you are doing it with!
Freya Crowe
What achievement are you most proud of?
Being new to Vagabonds and scoring try’s on my first ever season.
