A remarkable piece of local sports heritage is taking flight from Twickenham Green.

Tomorrow (Friday, 26 June), Thamesians RFC's senior women's squad will pack their boots and depart for an international sporting exchange tour to face RC Suresnes on the outskirts of Paris, returning on the Sunday after taking in a cultural tour of the city.

A Thamesians RFC Women spokesperson said: "While the fixture is a thrilling competitive challenge, it also represents the continuation of a deep, cross-border friendship that has flourished for over 30 years stemming from a chance meeting in a pub in Paris during the England vs France match in 1992 leading to lots of singing and life-long friendships.

"Historically maintained by the club's men's section, the women's team has proudly taken over stewardship of the exchange.

"This upcoming trip marks the women's third official tour to Paris, keeping a beloved, alternating tradition alive: one year Suresnes crosses the Channel to visit Twickenham, and the next, Thamesians head to France."

As the squad prepares to represent Twickenham and Richmond borough on the international stage, they are proving that grassroots women's sport is leading the way in global community engagement.

Thamesians RFC has experienced a monumental period of growth this year, recently welcoming many new players to its senior women's squad.

While national trends often show a decline in adult sports participation, the burgundy jerseys of Thamesians are bucking the trend on Twickenham Green in mens, women, and vets teams.

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According to Thamesians RFC Women, the club's "ultimate ambition aligns seamlessly with local community goals: to build a sustainable, long-term rugby pathway for women and girls across the borough, ensuring that sport remains entirely accessible to everyone".

Director of Rugby, Stuart Aimer said: "We have built this year as a transition year to upskill and develop players to the demands of the game, they have come along leaps and bounds from where they started and even more excited for next season as we up the knowledge and game understanding."

With its summer 7s season currently underway under the rallying cry "Ts are on Fire!", the tour to Paris acts as a massive springboard into the upcoming 2026/27 15s league season starting this September.

While the final details for this summer's Parisian adventure are locked in, the momentum building on Twickenham Green is just getting started.

A Thamesians RFC Women spokesperson added: "This tour is a celebration of how far the women's section has come, but it also shines a light on where they are heading.

"By fostering an environment where rugby is genuinely accessible to everyone (regardless of financial background) Thamesians RFC is actively shaping a healthier, more inclusive community right here in the borough.

"As the squad gears up for the 2026/27 season this September, the focus is entirely on sustaining this incredible growth and creating a lasting sports legacy for local women and girls.

"It takes a village to keep a historic 30-year international tradition thriving, and the club is incredibly proud to work alongside local residents, businesses, and the Council to champion community health, body positivity, and the power of grassroots women's sport."

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Thamesians RFC Women trains weekly and plays its home matches a short walk from its historic clubhouse, The Pavilion on Twickenham Green.

Women and girls of all abilities (aged 17+) from complete beginners to returning players are welcome to join the squad.

To join, message the squad on Instagram or email [email protected].

If you are a local business owner or community organiser interested in supporting a high-growth women's sports programme for the 2026/27 season, the club says it is eager to explore collaboration opportunities.

To do this, email [email protected]. To follow their journey to Paris from June 26 - 28, support the club's growth, or find training details, follow the squad on Instagram here or drop by the pavilion on club or international match days.