A LOCAL ladies’ rugby team recently took on the world, thanks to some welcome sponsorship from Swindon-based parking systems and management specialist company, WPS.

The under-20s team from the Bristol Academy of Sport, part of the South Gloucester and Stroud College (SGS), was picked to represent the United Kingdom in the Under-20s Ladies’ Rugby World Cup in Japan in April.

They secured the honour with a surprise win over long-considered favourites, Hartpury College.

It therefore started looking to local businesses for sponsorship to help fund new kit as well as travel and accommodation for the tournament.

As a keen sports fan, WPS managing director Simon Jarvis jumped at the chance of doing something different.

He said: “It is important for businesses to support their local communities in any way possible, and that includes sport.

“I have a personal interest in helping sports people reach their potential, and this particularly appealed as the team were second favourites, and women’s rugby generally is still often overlooked in this country.”

The team finished a creditable sixth in the championship, returning at the start of May.

Coach Matt Belbin says the tour was a great chance for the ladies to prove their worth.

He said: “We’re very proud of what the ladies have achieved in Japan, and are extremely grateful to WPS for their support in helping us to get them there.”