Barnsley Ladies RFC are enjoying their moment in the limelight after being crowned the Women’s Team of the Year at the prestigious Crabbie’s National Rugby Awards at Twickenham.

The Yorkshire side fought off stiff competition to win the accolade, despite only having been established four years ago and captain Alix Taylor was on hand to collect the prize at Wednesday’s glittering awards ceremony.

Held at England rugby’s headquarters, the National Rugby Awards celebrate the best of English rugby, from grassroots to the very pinnacle of the game with former England captain and ambassador Chris Robshaw just one of those in attendance.

And skipper Taylor, who has been playing the game for ten years, could not hide her delight at the team receiving such an honour.

“I feel very lucky to be part of such a team that’s going for that keeps going forward and progressing as a team. It’s really positive for us as a club,” said Taylor.

“For us, as a quite a new ladies’ section whose only been together for three years, it’s hugely important to keep on recruiting players to play at this grassroots level.

“Hopefully this award will inspire other girls to come forward and play.”

And as an experienced member of the game, Taylor admits it was even more special to receive the award against the backdrop of the national side’s heroics at this summer’s Women’s Rugby World Cup.

“I’ve been part of the women’s game for over a decade now, but to see the progression the sport has made in recent years – and even with the World Cup – just shows how massive that progression has been. It’s great to be part of it,” said Taylor.

Simon Frow, who coaches Barnsley Ladies, said the award capped off a truly memorable night at the iconic home of England Rugby.

He said: “We were here last year, when we came second. To win it is just a massive honour. We’ve gone two seasons unbeaten and all credit must go to the girls – and the new players that have come through – as well as those who have played since under-15’s and udner-18’s level. I couldn’t be more proud.

“Alix and I sat on a table of ten, where there were three different rugby clubs represented. We’ve been talking, supporting each other and clapping each other.

“The whole night has just been brilliant.”

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