RUGBY is the fastest growing female sport in the UK and Barnard Castle RUFC is keen to build on the successes of its recently formed girls’ squads by fielding a ladies team as early as next year.
Paul Davis and Sarah O’Doherty, who manage the club’s U13s, U15s and U18s girls teams – known as the Gatorz – put a few prospective players through their paces during a taster session at the club’s pitches on the Desmesnes, in Barnard Castle, but are hoping a few more ladies will join up.
Mr Davis, who was instrumental in setting up the U18s, said: “The new season’s plan is to hopefully have a ladies’ touch rugby team.
“The Gatorz have just finished their first full playing season and we managed to have four girls called up to the county squad.”
He said the idea to start a girls’ team was down to his 17-year-old daughter, Sophie.
“She played a few games at Teesdale School and told me she finally understood why I love playing rugby so much,” he explained.
“I suggested she join a club further afield, but she was adamant on playing for Barnard Castle.”
He added: “We now want to put a ladies’ team together and we’re hoping to get a few more volunteers to sign up.
“Rugby is a great way to keep fit and build stamina and of course we have a great social life at the club.”
Anyone interested in joining can contact Mr Davis on 07740 086685 or pop along to training sessions, which are held every Thursday at 6.30pm at the Rugby Club on Birch Road, Barnard Castle.
