CIRENCESTER Rugby club has launched a ladies team thanks to their partnership with the Royal Agricultural University.

Chloe Taylor, who is the girlfriend of one of the first team players, is one of the driving forces.

The team currently have 17 girls signed up but are planning to launch a social media campaign to attract more like-minded girls who are interested in playing.

The ladies team will be coached by Andrew Wakeley, who is the father of one of the girls. Wakeley is also joined by Dave Shrimpton.

Andy Deacon, head coach of the senior team, is hoping the team can grow and eventually join a league.

“We have tried to get a ladies team off the ground for a while,” he said.

“We’ve had close connection with the RAU and a group of girls who want to play.

“We have 17 players at the moment all of different abilities, some haven’t played before and some have so it will take a bit of time.

“We’re hoping to do a social media campaign we want to get as many girls involved and to gradually improve. It’s slow burner but we hope to play two or three games by the end of the season and go into pre-season in a good position.”

Cirencester are looking to set up a friendly game Melksham.

Training is on Tuesday evenings at Cirencester RFC at 6.30pm.