With women’s rugby the fastest growing team sport in the world, a programme encouraging girls to get involved in Tetbury goes from strength to strength.

Tetbury RFC has been running the programme for the past year, enabling girls of all backgrounds and abilities to get together and play organised sport, under the guidance of a dedicated and qualified coaching team of volunteer mums and dads.

With more than 40 girls from at least eight different local schools taking part, the programme is being hailed as a massive success.

The group of girls, aged between 6 and 13, train together regularly and is preparing to play fixtures against other teams next season.

Tetbury RFC is placing a real focus on girls rugby and has undertaken a survey of its membership so that activities can be specifically tailored to meet the needs of young female players, eager to enjoy the game.

Previous sessions have benefited from the involvement of Gloucester Hartpury Women’s team, and ex-Gloucester, Worcester, England and Barbarians player Megan Goddard putting the girls through their paces.

The programme is also incredibly lucky to have input from Louise Latter, who is the women’s and girls’ rugby representative on the RFU Council, who has local connections.

Despite disruption caused by the pandemic the group has grown steadily, and there is a special event planned to finish the season in style.

The ‘Inner Warrior’ event takes place on Sunday, May 16, between 11am and 12:30pm at Sir William Romney's School.

Stephen Knight, head of rugby at Tetbury RFC said: “The way our girls rugby programme has developed despite the pandemic is really encouraging.

“As an inclusive club, we are committed to providing anyone who is interested with the opportunities and tools to play safe and enjoyable rugby.

“But all credit must go to the girls themselves. They have a brilliant attitude to the game, learning and having fun together, and I’m certain there are some future stars in this group.

“We hope to see as many familiar and new faces at our event as possible, and we’d also like to thank our sponsors, Tetbury Audi, Hunter French, ISN, Tyler Grange, BPF Fitness and The Pig Pit for their continued support of grass roots rugby in Tetbury.”

The group welcomes new players, and all are welcome, even if it’s just to come and have a look at what’s going on.