DUWRFC was founded in 1984 by Cameron Henderson, who still leads the club to this day. DUWRFC is now the largest university women's rugby programme in the UK, having introduced the first BUCS competing 3rd XV. The club boasts over 90 members across its three teams, welcoming both beginners and professionals. One of our greatest successes was the 2018/19 season, with both the 1st and 2nd XV winning their leagues unbeaten, and the 1st XV playing in the National Final at Twickenham. The club is proud of its commitment to academic achievement and rugby excellence, providing students with top class degrees as well as elite rugby training. All players receive twice-weekly skills training, fitness and strength and conditioning sessions.

DUWRFC has a strong sevens programme with our 1st team competing in the BUCS 7s championship and 2nd team playing in the BUCS trophy competition. The club also often enters into the St Andrew's Sevens, Krakow Sevens and Algarve Sevens, where they face national teams like Hong Kong. DUWRFC has also created a sevens team to rival all others - Durham Chimera. This is an invite only team for current students and alumni.

DUWRFC is also partnered with Premiership team Darlington Mowden Park (DMP) Durham Sharks, meaning many girls play weekly in the Allianz Premier 15s. Current students involved with their national programmes include Jess Cooksey, Lauren Fisher, Chloe Broom, Rosalie Inman, Nicola Haynes, Scarlett Thomas-Thompson, Jess Wiesheu and Izzy Hannay. An equally impressive Alumnae include Heather Kerr, Sophie Lee, Megan Ellery, Claudia Macdonald, Caitlin Sedgeworth, Coreen Grant and Roshini Turner who are all involved in national programmes. 

DUWRFC takes raw talent and develops it into maturity with quality coaching, primal workouts and a true love of the sport. Teamwork, family ethos, sportsmanship - these are the hallmarks of DUWRFC.

Our Club Community Officer was established in May 2018 at the Annual General Meeting, with the aim to give back to the community and increase the general female population in Rugby Union, whether this maybe in clubs or schools. Our Community Officer and club members volunteer weekly to put back into our community and develop women's and girls rugby throughout the County.