Increased squad sizes promote gender equality at Five Nations Championships

The 2025 Five Nations Team Championships will have increased squad sizes to provide more girls with the opportunity to compete on the international stage.

In previous years, each of the five nations – England, France, Ireland, Scotland and Wales – has selected five-person teams at Under 13s and Under 15s, respectively, typically made up of three boys and two girls.

However, for the 2025 event, which will be held in Nantes, France, from 4-6 April, each age-group squad will contain six players and follow a 50-50 gender split with three boys and three girls.

Earlier in 2024, England retained their crowns at both age groups and will head to France next spring with the aim of extending their winning streak to six years.

“It’s an important change because it proves that girls’ sport is just as important as boys’ sport and the opportunities are equal,” said Lucy Townley, Junior Talent Pathway Manager at England Squash.

“It will be really motivating for the girls because it’s one more spot to compete for. If you’ve got a really strong number one player and there’s only one other spot, a lot of girls could give up. Increasing the squad size gives them more chance of being selected and hopefully that will positively impact the girls to want to compete and stay engaged in the sport for longer.

“There aren’t many opportunities in squash to represent England, so getting that extra spot for the girls is really important.” The Five Nations represents an important developmental stepping stone for many junior players, particularly for those selected at Under 13s who get their first taste of representing England at a team event.

Townley added:

“Because squash is predominantly an individual sport, when you’re representing your country as part of a team, that environment is completely different. You get that extra level of desire, fight and passion, and you get the support of your teammates. It’s an amazing thing to be a part of.

“It spurs a lot of them on to want to be in the European team when they get a bit older, they want to go to the World Championships and be part of that team. For our Under 13s, it’s their only chance for representation during the year because the European Championships start at Under 15s.

“Next year, the event is in France, so the logistics of travelling abroad adds to the occasion. It’s quite a big trip and it’ll be really exciting.”