Pip Atkinson's contributions to women's rugby

That this House celebrates Pip Atkinson’s outstanding contribution to Women’s Rugby in England; notes that having grown up in Butleigh and attended Millfield School, Pip was initially a keen pentathlete; understands that while studying at Loughborough University, Pip switched from the modern pentathlon to rugby union before going on to represent England’s Red Roses at the 1998 Women’s Rugby World Cup held in the Netherlands; acknowledges that Pip did not only play for England, but also coached the women’s national sevens team at two Hong Kong Sevens tournaments; recognises her historic role in playing for Great Britain in their first ever women’s rugby international match, which took place against France in 1986, the 40th anniversary of which is being commemorated next month at Richmond RFC; commends that since retiring, Pip has devoted herself to grassroots rugby, helping to establish a tag rugby club in Butleigh for boys and girls; and praises her lifelong commitment to promoting women’s rugby and encouraging young people, particularly women and girls, to participate in Rugby Union.