Bristol Harlequins RFC

For many young players, grassroots rugby is where the passion for the game begins. For Brooke Allen, that journey started at Bristol Harlequins RFC, where she took her first steps on the pitch. From being one of the first players in Quins’ restarted minis and juniors section to earning a place on the England Player Development pathway, Brooke’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and a love for the game that has only grown stronger.

Finding a Home in Rugby

Brooke’s rugby journey began at Bristol Harlequins, where she was part of the first wave of young players to benefit from the club’s developing junior section. Like many before her, she hadn't considered playing rugby until she was encouraged to give it a go. It didn’t take long for her to fall in love with the sport.

“I had never thought about playing rugby before, but I was encouraged to join in, and I enjoyed it so much that I just stuck with it,” she recalls. “Quins taught me the basics, the key skills like coordination and decision-making, but most importantly, it made rugby fun.”

At the age of 12, Brooke made the transition to Drybrook RFC to continue her rugby journey in a girls-only environment. Although the move wasn’t easy, she quickly settled into her new team and began to develop even further, eventually earning a place in county rugby.

“Moving to Drybrook was a challenge. Starting again in a new club with new people wasn’t easy, but they took me in and made me part of their rugby family. With the foundation I built at Quins and the development I gained at Drybrook, I grew in confidence and started to realise just how far rugby could take me.”

Overcoming Challenges and Chasing Dreams

Progressing through the rugby ranks is never an easy journey, and Brooke has faced her fair share of challenges along the way. The uncertainty of squad selection, the frustration of injuries, and the sacrifices required to maintain a demanding training schedule are all part of the reality of high-performance sport.

But through it all, she has never lost sight of why she plays.

“I’ve always played rugby because I love it—on and off the pitch,” she says. “There were times when I had to make tough choices, like missing out on social events because of training, but I never saw it as a burden. The moment I realised I wanted to take my rugby as far as I could was during county rugby and Centre of Excellence (now PDG). That’s when I saw a clear pathway that could open doors for me in both education and life. Since then, I haven’t looked back.”

A Step Closer to the Red Roses

Now, Brooke is part of the England Player Development Gateway, training with some of the best young talents in the country and learning from national-level coaches. While she narrowly missed out on selection for the final England U18 squad, she remains focused on her long-term goals.

“Being part of the England pathway has been an amazing experience. Training at that level has helped me refine my core skills and develop a professional mindset towards rugby. Missing out on selection for the U18s was tough, but the whole experience has been invaluable.”

As she prepares to head to university later this year, Brooke has secured a sports scholarship, ensuring she can continue playing at a high level alongside her studies. With her sights set on breaking into Premiership rugby, she remains determined to keep pushing forward—and maybe even take another shot at the Red Roses in the future.

Advice for the Next Generation

For young girls looking to follow in her footsteps, Brooke has a clear message:

“If you want it, go and get it. The opportunities for female rugby players are better than ever, and they’re only going to keep growing. Work hard, stay positive, and believe in yourself. I never thought I’d get to where I am now, and I still have days where I doubt myself. But if you surround yourself with the right people and ask for help when you need it, you’ll go further than you ever imagined.”

Bristol Harlequins – A Club That Feels Like Home

No matter how far her journey takes her, Brooke’s heart will always be with Bristol Harlequins.

“Quins will always be my club and my family,” she says. “I still have the Quins shirt I was given when I moved to Drybrook proudly framed above my bed—six years later! The people here guided me, celebrated my achievements, and are always there to pick me up when I need support.

"No matter what level you play at, you never forget where you started. Every time I step back into Quins, it feels like home. And for anyone looking to start their rugby journey in Bristol, there’s no better club. Blue, Black, and White forever!”