Eccles Rugby Club breaks 130-year tradition after period anxiety fears

A Salford rugby club has broken an almost 130-year tradition to help women with period anxiety.

Eccles Rugby Club, which previously played in white shorts, have started to wear navy after the women’s team voiced fears about leaking through the fabric.

The decision follows a similar move by the Ireland and Wales national rugby teams, and the Lionesses football team.

But this time, the men and juniors have also followed suit in a show of solidarity.

Sarah Williams, Eccles RFC ladies captain, said: “For the past three seasons that I have played at the club, there have been regular occasions in the changing rooms when players would be asking their team mates to keep on eye on their shorts as they had started their period and were worried that they may leak.

“This anxiety could often put some of the girls off playing that week’s game, which is a major disruption to personal and team confidence. It’s a distraction we don’t need on game day.

“We’re pleased our club has recognised the issue and supported us in making the change”

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

The club’s chairman, Chris Gaffey, said: ” We believe anything that reduces player stress, anxiety and helps build confidence in our players, allowing them to focus on on the game is a good thing.”

The club decided to adopt the navy shorts this summer, after concerns were raised in June last year.

All of the club’s teams will adopt the new colour, with the men and women switching now and the minis teams, boys junior teams and Colts teams in the 2025/26 season due to their kit buying cycle.

The shorts were worn for the first time during the weekend fixtures on October 12 and 13.

“After 130 years we appreciate this is a significant change, especially for our traditionalists,” Mr Gaffey added. “However as our history proves, change and adaptability is essential to longevity and success.

“Inclusivity is absolutely central to our ethos as a club and at Eccles Rugby we do things together, in union.  One in, all in.”

The club is hoping to encourage more young girls to join as they move forward from their traditions of an ever changing game.