New Women's Rugby sessions launched

By Mark Stevens
25/10/18

Newly-formed Exeter Athletic Rugby Club are to stage two Pitch Up & Play sessions aimed at encouraging women rugby players to get involved in forming a new club side.

The two sessions, which will take place at Sandy Park – home to the Exeter Chiefs – will take place on Sunday, November 4 and Sunday, November 18 (2-4pm).

With interest in the women’s game growing all the time, World Rugby has reported a 60 per cent increase in participation globally since 2013, the two taster sessions aim to not only generate interest locally, but at the same time put in place the initial foundations for what organisers hope will be an exciting new addition to the club’s make-up.

“These are exciting times for Exeter Athletic,” said Junior Chairman Cheryl McGauley. “As a club we have worked tirelessly for some time to offer rugby to people of all different age groups. Sadly, the one area missing was that of a women’s team.

“By staging the two Pitch Up & Play sessions, we are not only looking to encourage people to come and play the game, but at the same time help us form a competitive team moving forward. Already we have two friendlies pencilled into the diary for games in November and December, so we’re hoping interested people come along and join us.”

Exeter Athletic was formed earlier this season by the merger of two city-based clubs, Wessex RFC and Exeter Youth RFC. Based at Oil Mill Lane in Clyst St Mary, the club currently fields teams from Under-7s level through to full senior status with two men’s teams.