Josie Harris’s rugby journey is nothing short of inspiring. As a third-generation Chinnor player (her Granddad played for the 1sts in the 70s, and her dad joined the 1XV at 18 in 1995), she joined Chinnor Rugby Club in September 2020. The pandemic delayed her first contact fixture by eight months, but once she took to the field in May 2021 with the U15s (we now field squads in U12s, U14s, U16s and U18s), her progress was unstoppable.

She quickly moved through the age groups, earning her place in the Oxfordshire County squad in 2022 before advancing into the England Rugby Developing Player Programme (ERDPP) and later the Centre of Excellence (CoE) regional squad. Josie continued to prove herself, despite the challenges of playing a sport that her school did not offer. Josie pursued her passion by enrolling at City of Oxford College, combining A-levels with structured rugby training—a decision that laid the foundation for her next big leap.

In December 2023, Josie was called up to her first England U18 training camp. She remained in the Player Development Group (PDG) and successfully navigated months of rigorous selection camps used in the England U18 process, gaining her first cap in a friendly against Ireland. Just before turning 18, she earned her spot in the final England U18 squad for the Six Nations and is currently competing in the Six Nations U18 Tournament from 11–19 April 2025. It’s an incredible achievement, and one that reflects her talent, grit, and determination.

The Crucial Role of Chinnor Rugby Club
Behind every great player is a great club, and Josie and her family recognise the instrumental role Chinnor’s Girls’ Section in her success. When she joined, the girls’ section had roughly 30 players across all age groups. Today, thanks to dedicated coaches and volunteers, numbers have surged, with some squads now surpassing the previous total size of the section.

Josie’s U18 teammates have excelled, with strong representation at county, regional, and elite development levels. The exciting U16 group has seen half its players selected for the PDG, while younger age groups at U14 and U12 continue to grow in both numbers and skill. This year, Chinnor is launching an U10s squad, ensuring the momentum in girls’ rugby continues.

A Community That Builds Champions
Josie’s success is a testament to more than just talent—it’s about the support system that creates an environment where young female players thrive. The Girls’ Section at Chinnor has provided:
• High-quality rugby training
• Talented coaches and mentors
• Strong friendships through tours and teamwork
• Unwavering emotional and practical support

Josie herself acknowledges Chinnor's impact:
"Without the support of my teammates and coaches at Chinnor, I don’t think I would have had the confidence to push myself this far. Their encouragement and belief made all the difference."

Lead coach Dom Sewell echoes this sentiment, highlighting the club’s commitment to its players:
"Josie’s journey proves that talent combined with hard work and the right support can lead to incredible opportunities. She’s a fantastic role model for younger players, and we’re immensely proud of her achievements."

"Go Well” Josie —And Thank You, Chinnor Girls!
After the Six Nations U18 Tournament Josie has set her sights on studying Maths at University, playing BUCS University Rugby and is hoping to train with a Premiership Women’s Rugby side.

Thank you Chinnor Girls for proving that behind every successful player is a community that believes in them. The future of girls’ rugby at Chinnor is bright, and Josie’s journey is just one of many incredible stories to come.

Join the Chinnor Girls' Rugby Family!
Inspired by Josie’s journey? Get involved and join a supportive environment for players of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to level up, Chinnor’s Girls’ Section offers top-tier coaching, competitive fixtures, and pathways for progression.

Upcoming Events & Opportunities:
• U10s Launch – A fantastic opportunity to start learning rugby
• Summer Rugby Camp – Hone your skills and meet new teammates
• Try Rugby Sessions – Open to all skill levels—no experience needed!

Jo Mossop