Birmingham independent bar and live music venue Nortons Digbeth has pledged more support for women’s rugby in the city and extended its sponsorship of the Moseley Women’s Rugby team by another 12 months.
In addition to helping to fund backline coaching for the all-women team based at the historic South Birmingham rugby club, the Digbeth venue continues to screen each of the TikTok Women’s Six Nations tournament games – hot on the heels of the Ireland Mens’ historic Six Nation win.
Ian Ward, board member of Moseley Rugby club and leader of Labour-run Birmingham city council, joined members of the Women’s first team for an official kit exchange at Norton’s, swapping a full signed kit in exchange for Norton’s rugby shirt signed by staff members.
Ian Ward said: “We’re thrilled that Norton’s has chosen to support Birmingham Moseley Women’s Rugby for another year, and their commitment to helping to develop community and grassroots sports in Birmingham is a testament to their passion for the city. Their support has also helped the Club establish a girls’ team at age 12 that will develop the talent of the future.
“Women’s rugby, alongside many other sports, is rapidly growing in numbers and support so we extend our thanks to Peter Connolly at the Digbeth bar and venue for leading by example, in helping us to deliver backline coaching and raising the profile of women’s rugby more generally through Six Nations screenings.”
The Meriden Street bar and music venue Nortons is a proud supporter of independent Birmingham Irish businesses and cultural organisations, home to events and meetings for organisations including The Birmingham TradFest, Comhaltas Ceólteórí Éireann and the West Midlands Irish Business Group and works in partnership with independent distiller Spirit of Birmingham amongst other city SMEs.
Nortons has recently hosted Rail, Maritime and Transport Leader’s Union leader Mick Lynch for a meeting of 300 Midlands rail workers, West Midlands Metropolitan Mayor Andy Street speaking to SME business owners, as well as performances by Sharon Shannon, All Folk’d Up and One For The Road. The 500-capacity music venue presents acclaimed Irish band Kila on Friday 7 April 2023.
Peter Connolly, owner of Nortons Digbeth, said: “This is the third year we’ve supported Moseley Rugby – part of our commitment to supporting grassroots sport in the city, including women’s and men’s teams across Irish and English sports.
“We view women’s sport equally as important as the men’s, which is also why we’re screening the Women’s Six Nations games throughout the venue with commentary.
“The bar was absolutely packed out for all the men’s Six Nations games this year, and it’s great to have another month of rugby to look forward to.
“It’s important to us to get behind local causes and organisations so Norton’s staff were delighted to meet with the team and swap shirts, joined by Ian Ward who we know is a great fan of Rugby and a proud supporter of Moseley Rugby.
“We wish the whole team at Moseley Women’s Rugby the very best for the year ahead and look forward to cheering them on every game.”
Nortons Digbeth also sponsors a number of other grassroots sports teams across the city including University of Birmingham GAA, Warwickshire Ladies GAA, AFC Solihull football and UCB Rugby.
Birmingham Moseley Women’s Rugby, part of the Billesley Common club, train twice weekly and play league games on Sundays. The team cater for all abilities and welcomes applications from new players.
Image credit: Chris Egan Photography
