Sidmouth Rugby Club is taking an exciting new step in its evolution with the development of a senior women’s side at Blackmore.
The success of their junior girls’ teams and increasing popularity in the female side of the game makes this a viable, and hugely encouraging progression for the club.
Young players are coming through the ranks, local seniors have already expressed an interest in joining and a recruitment day is planned for early July.
“Women’s rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and the success of Exeter Chiefs Women locally makes this a logical step for Sidmouth Rugby Club,” said Aaron Patch from Sidmouth RFC.
“We’ve got an excellent junior programme for the girls and a women’s senior team would run alongside the success of our men’s side.
“There are lots of junior girls coming through but, in the past, they’ve had to join other clubs for the adult game. We are now in a good position to set up a senior side.
“We are running a recruitment day on July 4 at Blackmore, with guest coaches Susie Appleby and Patricia Garcia from Exeter Chiefs, plus a barbeque and refreshments.
“There will be a game of touch rugby and coaching for some of our junior girls and women to get a flavour of the plans at Sidmouth Rugby Club.
“We’ve already got players who have shown an interest in playing for Sidmouth, I’ve set up a committee for the team, with a team manager and hopefully a coach from Exeter Chiefs.
“We are going into the project with full gusto, we want to make it right. The women’s team will have the full Sidmouth kit, full support and excellent coaching to aid their progress.
“The ambition is to create an environment where women feel valued in the game and they are proud to play for Sidmouth.
“Initially, we would set up as a development team, train twice a week and organise friendly games with local sides before taking the next step in joining a women’s league.”
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