"This is Manchester. We do things differently here..."

That, now famous, quote from the late Tony Wilson regarding the great northern city from which our club was born, is as true of the music, science & technology that he was talking about as it is the sports club that bare the City's name. Manchester Rugby Club is no exception to this...

From being one of the world's oldest rugby clubs to being Manchester's first association football club to play in the FA Cup (Manchester FC, but more on that another day perhaps). The quote may as well read "This is Manchester Rugby. We do things differently here..."

As the first rugby club in the city, formed as the Gentlemen of Manchester to take on the Gentlemen of Liverpool (now Liverpool St Helens RUFC); time and time again our club has prided itself on breaking away from the norm. Sensibly, the "Gentlemen of" prefix was dropped early in to our history, happily reflecting the club's fully inclusive approach to rugby, society and life.

Enough about the men though. This International Women's Day, we look to celebrate some of those ladies who have become roles models to all, leaders to many and family to us. Today, women's rugby teams are becoming increasingly common, but back in the late 80s early 90s Manchester Rugby Club helped lead the way, forming a ladies' team that continues to this day. Playing in the same red and white hoops synonymous with Manchester Rugby our women's team continues to grow and develop; whilst the establishment of our junior girls' teams has seen an ever increasing number of female playing members, creating a pathway that is the envy of money.

In 2009, it was current Major League Rugby (MLR) Dallas Jackals Assistant General Manager & Attack Coach, Elaine Vassie who claimed another first whilst representing Manchester. Becoming the first female head coach to take control of a Men's National League Club; a feat that currently has no equal, with no other female coach taking charge at this or a higher level of the men's game in England. Under her strong leadership the club managed to stabilise itself at a time of crisis; helping instil the culture amongst its playing members that is carried on today.

2013 saw two former Manchester M&J players and SISTERS pit their wits' against each other on the international stage, as Bridget & Harriet Millar-Mills represented Scotland and England, respectively, in the 6 Nations. The first known time that sisters had competed internationally on the rugby field.

On Sunday mornings it is customary to see mothers and fathers on touchlines, cheering and supporting as they give up potential lie-ins so that their children can run around a pitch, growing, developing and testing their skills. At MRC, we actively encourage mums (and dads) to get involved in coaching and managing. Why should the children be the only ones to develop new skills? Happily, in the recent past our female coaching contingent has grown, setting an example that female rugby involvement doesn't stop when your playing days are over. To part quote Judge Parry "Manchester is the place where people do things" & one of Manchester's most famous daughters, Emmeline Pankhurst, "Manchester is a city which has witnessed a great many stirring episodes... Generally speaking, its citizens have been liberal in their sentiments, defenders of free speech and liberty of opinion."

We may not be based in the City anymore, but we remain Manchester at heart and in spirit; and the women of our club continue to push us on to better & brighter things. We take this International Women's Day to salute you all; and to thank you for your support.

Below are a few short Q&As with some of the women's doing exceptional jobs at our club. Keep checking back throughout the day as we add more.

• The President

If you or your daughter would like to join Manchester Rugby Club in a playing or non-playing capacity then please let us know, either by using the contacts available on our contact page or via our social media channels Facebook & Twitter.