With a winner takes all game against Essex in their future Cumbria Women’s Rugby Union are asking the community for support.

Cumbria Women, with tremendous success, have played in the Gill Burns County Championship over the last several seasons and after the entry for 2024 was made, Cumbria were placed into a group including Staffordshire, Oxfordshire and Essex.

All teams that enter the competition receive the same amount of RFU funding to run but the trip to Essex on Sunday, June 2, alone will cost Cumbria a considerable amount more than this funding alone would allow.

This is why Kirkby Stephen Youth Centre are working in conjunction with Cumbria RFU, supporting with sponsorship and fundraising for the women’s Gill Burns Rugby County Championship.

The Youth Centre have helped with the creation of a go fund me page to help secure a future for the successful Women’s side.

The statement on the page explains that: “With this in mind, we are looking for help to sustain rugby in the county, no matter what representative team.

“This means we are seeking help from the community, not only towards this trip, but for the future of the county programmes.

“The reality is, community sport costs more than what is received in funding. Without help, this will not be sustainable beyond the near future.

“Women’s rugby is one of sport’s great success stories, experiencing unprecedented growth around the world and represents the single greatest opportunity for growth in the next decade.

“However, if we can’t fund this opportunity, there’s the possibility that we won’t be able to continue in the future.

“This could prevent young people, aspiring to follow the success of the England Red Roses, and England Men’s outfits, the opportunity for their development and the possibility to one day play for their county, or higher.

“We would also like to thank the amazing people who have already donated, and the people at Kendal Calling and Halbro Sportswear, who have donated and sponsored new shirts for the women’s team.

“We can not thank them enough for their generosity.If you are able to support women’s rugby, no matter how big or small a contribution, we will be eternally grateful.”

After a successful domestic season with Workington Finches making history with back to back Cup wins and Keswick Falcons winning the league with an unbeaten season.

Cumbria could add the extra, after a tremendous win over Oxfordshire to set up a winner-takes-all clash with Essex, with a Twickenham final the prize.

Those wishing to donate can do so here.