Bristol Harlequins RFC

As we continue our International Women’s Day series, we turn to Lou Braithwaite, Bristol Harlequins’ Safeguarding Officer and a lifelong member of the club. With rugby running deep in her family—her father being the legendary referee Ed Morrison—Lou has grown up with the sport and played a vital role in ensuring inclusivity and player welfare at Quins.

Growing Up in Rugby

For Lou, rugby has always been about hard work, respect, and breaking barriers. Her father, Ed Morrison, rose from humble beginnings in Hartcliffe to become one of the sport’s most respected referees.

"It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from—you can achieve big things. You need to work hard and treat people with respect, but you can do it."

Despite the class divide often associated with rugby, Ed’s passion for the sport took him to the top without ever changing who he was.

"Back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, we’d travel as a family to his games—arriving at Twickenham in a Ford Sierra, parking amongst all the Jaguars and BMWs. Rugby was always a part of our lives, but no matter how high-profile the games were, Dad remained the same. He’d much rather be stood under the goalposts at Quins on a Sunday watching the Colts than in the committee box at Twickenham."

Bristol Harlequins: More Than Just a Club

For Lou, Quins is family—a club built on support, friendship, and lifelong connections.

"Quins is a very special club with lots of very special people. Everyone looks out for each other, and when times get tough, the support is immense. When we sadly lost Scott in 2014, the love and warmth given to us was incredible."

Now, Lou is experiencing the next generation of Quins rugby as her eldest son, Will, moves into the senior squad.

"Watching him progress through the minis and juniors has been wonderful, and he’s now on the verge of joining the seniors. I know the first time he runs out as a senior will be a very special and emotional moment for us. He has teammates he has played with since the age of 7, and now they are men. He’ll have those friends for the rest of his life."

The Role of Safeguarding at Quins

As Safeguarding Officer, Lou plays a crucial role in ensuring that Quins is a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

"I didn’t really understand what I was taking on when I volunteered for this role, but it has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a vital role and can be challenging, but I’ve always had the support of the committee and club members."

Her responsibilities include:
✅ Championing the safety and welfare of all children and adults at risk
✅ Implementing and maintaining safeguarding policies
✅ Ensuring the club meets all regulatory requirements
✅ Encouraging positive on and off-field behaviour

Inclusivity and the Rise of Women’s Rugby at Quins

Lou has seen firsthand how the club has evolved to become more inclusive, particularly for women in rugby.

"Quins has always had strong women involved at all levels of the club. Even when I was younger, my mum and other women were the backbone of organising events and running the kitchen. It has never been a club dominated by men—women have always been included."

The recent launch of the Harlequeens, Quins’ first-ever women’s team, is a testament to that.

"To see our Harlequeens run out for their first game a few weeks ago was wonderful. It shows just how far the game has come, and I have no doubt it will continue to grow."

With more women taking leadership roles at Quins, Lou believes their presence has been crucial in shaping the club’s welcoming and inclusive culture.

"I think the reason Quins is so inclusive is because strong females have always been involved in leadership roles, officially or unofficially. There has never been pushback against women being involved at the top level… I think they’d be too scared to say anything if they did!"

Advice for Women in Rugby Leadership

For women looking to take on leadership roles in grassroots rugby, Lou’s advice is simple:

"Just go for it! There is so much support available now via the RFU, the constituent bodies, and other clubs. The rewards you get from it will outweigh any difficulties. Plus, you’ll be a role model for future generations."