Macclesfield’s thriving women’s rugby scene has reached another landmark moment after seven players from Macclesfield RUFC were selected for the senior Cheshire county squad for 2026. These gifted players follow on from the first three female MRUFC players ever to be selected for the county side in 2024.
In a historic achievement for the club, the group includes mother-and-daughter duo Emma and Kacie Lawton, underlining both the strength and community spirit driving the women’s section forward.
Now selected, the hard work steps up another level. The players will attend weekly training sessions at Moore Rugby Club, where they will also work alongside a development squad while benefiting from physio support, strength and conditioning, and nutritional guidance. The squad will face Durham away in their first match on the 17th May, followed by Notts Lincolnshire & Derby on the 24th May at the Cheshire home ground, Chester RUFC.
Among those chosen is Emma Lawton, 45, who only took up rugby in 2024 after being encouraged to try the sport by a fellow rugby parent. A farmer in the Peak District and mother of five, Emma has quickly established herself in the forwards as a second row and prop. She now lines up alongside her daughter Kacie, 24, who joined the sport last year after some persistent encouragement from her mum and has already made her mark in the back row.
They are joined by Evie Foster, 28, a prop and flanker who returned to rugby at Macclesfield after previously playing at university level with Durham. Annie Mitchell, 22, earns selection following a remarkable comeback from a serious leg break earlier in her rugby journey, having battled back to fitness to being selected.
Scrum-half Siobhan Ardern, 28, also makes the squad after returning to the sport following a five-year break, while Annie James, 22, a versatile back and science teacher, continues her steady progression after seven years in the game. Completing the line-up is Julia Parker, 27, who only began playing in October but has already impressed enough to secure county honours in her debut season.
Off the pitch, the squad is just as diverse, with players working in jobs ranging from farming, cattle hoof trimming, furniture design, teaching, marketing and the emergency services. When they’re not playing rugby, they keep busy with hobbies like horse riding, carriage driving, coaching, hiking, theatre and other sports.
Head coach Paul Jackubowski praised the group’s efforts, saying: “All the players have played extremely well this season and thoroughly deserve their call up to the Cheshire squad.”
MRUFC Women’s XV captain Mel Bramley commented, “The recent success of the Macclesfield’s women’s team at Cheshire trials just underlines the progress the squad has made in the last year. We are all incredibly proud of the players who trialled this year and know that they will give it their all in representing the club and the county. The women’s section at Macc continues to go from strength to strength and the representation at county level just underlines where the squad now sits. The future is very bright!”
The milestone reflects the rapid growth of the women’s game in recent years, driven in part by the success of England’s Red Roses on the international stage. That momentum is clearly being felt locally, with the women’s and girls’ sections at Macclesfield RUFC expanding significantly—many of the current squad having never played rugby before joining the club.
The latest selections highlight just how quickly players can develop in the sport, with Parker’s rise from newcomer to county player in a matter of months serving as a prime example, as well as another macc player, Tanni Whalley, 41, who represents Jamaica in their women’s rugby league team having started playing just 3 years ago.
The team’s Player-Manager Liz Jarratt says, “I don’t think we could have imagined so many Macclesfield Women representing Cheshire 5 years ago! The progression and development of our squad is a testament to this amazing achievement and I couldn’t be prouder of all the girls who have been selected. Representing your County is a very special moment in any player’s career and I hope all the girls selected enjoy this next step in their rugby journey – we’ll all be there to cheer them on!”
Anyone inspired by the team’s success is encouraged to get involved. Training takes place every Tuesday from 6pm for the girls (ages 10 – 17) and 7pm for the senior team at Priory Park, with no experience required – all ages, abilities, backgrounds, shapes and sizes are welcome—because at Macclesfield, there really is a place for everyone on the rugby pitch… and in the bar afterwards!
Backs: Siobhan Ardern, Annie James & Annie Mitchell (left to right)
Forwards: Evie Foster, Kacie Lawton, Julia Parker & Emma Lawton (left to right)
