New Rugby Pathway For Female Players in Gibraltar

Women in Gibraltar now have a new pathway into rugby thanks to a partnership between Masbro Insurance Brokers and UK sevens side Akuma Savvy Panthers, starting with the formation of a new team, the Masbro Panthers.

The Masbro Panthers will debut at this year’s Gibraltar 7s tournament from 27–29 June at Europa Sports Park. The team will feature a mix of players from Gibraltar and the UK, combining local talent with elite-level experience. In the lead-up to the tournament, local players will benefit from a structured training programme delivered by Savvy Panthers coaches and players, including sessions focused on strength and conditioning, game awareness, and sevens-specific skills. The long-term goal is to develop a fully homegrown Masbro Panthers squad capable of competing in elite sevens competitions in its own right.

The partnership was made possible by local coach and development lead Rob Weir, who has worked closely with Savvy Panthers founder Fin Kelly to design a training and performance programme for local players. Rob’s focus is on offering women in Gibraltar structured opportunities to develop, compete, and grow within the sport.

“This programme is about creating a long-term pathway for female players in Gibraltar,” said Rob Weir. “By training and playing alongside professionals, our players gain invaluable experience, raise their game, and begin to see what’s possible. The ambition is clear: we want to build a fully local elite team that can compete on the international stage.”

James Andlaw, Managing Director at Masbro, said:

“We’re proud to support the growth of women’s rugby in Gibraltar. This partnership with Savvy Panthers brings professional support and real opportunity to the Rock. It’s a powerful step forward for local sport and for creating more inclusive spaces in rugby.”

Fin Kelly, Founder and Head Coach of Savvy Panthers, added:

“This is an exciting new chapter for us. Savvy Panthers is built on community and culture; we’re more than a team, we’re a family. Welcoming players from Gibraltar into that and helping develop the women’s game here is something we’re truly excited about. This partnership is about development, trust, and raising the bar together.”

This initiative forms part of Masbro’s ongoing commitment to local sport and community wellbeing, delivered through its internal Wellbeing Committee. With a structured three-year vision, the initiative supports the development of a homegrown elite women’s team capable of competing on the international sevens stage.

We’re proud to be backing this new chapter for women’s rugby in Gibraltar. If you’d like to get involved or support the Masbro Panthers, get in touch at info@masbro.gi and don’t forget to follow their journey on our Instagram and Facebook pages.