DURSLEY and Painswick Rugby Clubs have joined forces to create a new rugby team for girls.

The Five Valleys Valkyries will begin with an under 12s girls team initially but hopes to expand as the game and demand grows.

Until now, girls at both clubs who have played mixed rugby at primary school age, have had no girls team to go to once they reach under 12s (year 7), largely due to lack of numbers.

Now the two clubs have joined forces to bring all of the girls who want to play, together to create a new team for everyone. 

(Image: Supplied) The team is also welcoming new players from year 7 and above, creating more opportunity to grow girls sport in the district.

Kate Cropper, the newly appointed administrator for the Five Valleys Valkyries said: “By joining forces we can build a much stronger girls section and provide lots of opportunities for girls to stay in the game they love.

"We are looking forward to welcoming complete beginners because we know that lots of girls watch the game but have limited places to play.

"I’m so pleased that the Five Valleys Valkyries has been set up, not just for players in Dursley and Painswick, but from anywhere across the Stroud district.”

The new team began training on 15 September at Painswick - sessions will take place alternating between the two clubs.

The club welcome girls living in Stroud, Dursley, Painswick, Stonehouse, Wotton and the Severn Valley.

The Five Valley Valkyries is open to girls who wish try rugby in a fun environment and make new friends.

To find out more contact Kate Cropper at girls.dursleyrfc@gmail.com or Chris Coombs at secretary@painswickrugby.co.uk