A sports club is hosting a free taster training session for girls under 18 to show that “rugby is accessible, enjoyable and open to everyone”.

This Sunday, November 1, Newark Rugby Club is hosting a Women and Girls Rugby Day with the aim of encouraging more females from across the area to give the sport a try.

The session, at the club’s grounds on Kelham Road, will run from noon until 1.30pm and is open to girls aged 10-17 regardless of experience or ability.

“We want people to come along, meet the players, give rugby a try in a friendly environment and see what the club has to offer,” Jessica Burnley, a player on the Newark Women’s team, said.

“If we can help someone take their first step into sport, whether as a player, a volunteer or a supporter, then the day will have been a success.”

At the end of the session, the women’s team will face Boston with a kick-off at 2pm.

Refreshments will be available from the clubhouse, alongside a planned bake sale to raise funds for the club’s Women and Girls section.

Jessica said that despite historically rugby being seen as a men's sport, it is “changing rapidly”. She added: “There are now more opportunities for women and girls to get involved, from grassroots rugby through to elite competition.

“The challenge isn’t really overcoming stigma but making sure women and girls know there is a welcoming place for them at their local club.”

When asked about the benefits of rugby, the player said that alongside the physical activity, the sport comes with “confidence, resilience, teamwork and leadership skills, while creating a strong sense of belonging and community.”

“Our main aim is to show girls and women that rugby is accessible, enjoyable and open to everyone,” the player concluded.