# @englandrugbyunis on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DZhYPCHjSHW
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/66791800-englandrugbyunis-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/13b6b0bd49.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-06-13T09:46:15.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** England Rugby Universities (@englandrugbyunis) — https://gondola.cc/englandrugbyunis

## Caption

Rugby for all – EDI Award 🏆

Huge congratulations to our winner of the Rugby for All Award 2025/26, Renica‑Renee Thompson - gktwrfc 👏

Renica‑Renee Thompson is the first black captain of her club, she has used that platform to create space, visibility, and belonging for others. A standout example of her impact is the panel event she spearheaded: “The Black Experience in Rugby”. 

She personally reached out to speakers via Instagram, creating new connections, and bringing together an outstanding line-up: Dr Simi Pam (Red Roses/Bristol Bears), Anne Onwusiri (Founder, Black Girls Ruck), Frank Sackey (Old Downbadians), and Chanté Williams and Derayo Adetosoye (Counteruck). 

As well as handling all the event details form securing a venue to preparing thoughtful questions that encouraged honesty and learning, including: “Have you ever had to navigate negative stereotypes from your teammates or coach?”, “Can you share how you first got into rugby?”, and “What is the best thing about being Black in rugby?” 

The result was an event described by attendees as inspiring and eye-opening—and one that was opened out beyond GKT, inviting other universities and local clubs to be part of the conversation. 

Crucially, this wasn’t a one-off moment. The stories shared gave allies clearer insight into how to support players and actively build welcoming environments. It also created new relationships—most notably a collaboration with KCLRFC, traditionally seen as rivals, which strengthened ties across the season as both clubs supported one another. 

The impact of her work is being felt within the community she has helped to shape: GKTWRFC is one of the university’s most diverse clubs, with 30% of the club identifying as Black, 17% Muslim, and 45% from an ethnic minority background. Her leadership has helped those players feel seen, valued, and more likely to stay—because they know they belong, and they know the club is committed to keeping it that way. 

Congratulations, Renica‑Renee & GKTWRFC 👏

#UniRugby #UniversityRugby #StudentRugby

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## Tags

studentrugby, unirugby, universityrugby

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