RUGBY: Rugby High girls learn Touch Rugby with Newbold Falcons

Last weekend saw the final tournament of the Midlands Ladies Touch League 2016, the only league of its kind in the UK. 14 teams took part in the overall season with this final event hosted at Droitwich RFC. Pershore ran out final and deserving season winners for the second consecutive year, but three Rugby town teams also took part throughout the summer. Newbold Falcons, Old Laurentians and Rugby St Andrews.

The Newbold Falcons ended their second season in top spot for Rugby for the second year running, after only being formed in 2015. With a growing squad and strong links to Rugby High School for Girls the future looks bright at Parkfield Road.

Several of the Falcons have been running touch rugby introduction sessions at the school over the past few months. With 200 girls now enjoying and playing touch rugby at RHS it’s a great achievement. “We have come together with Rugby High to lead the way in girls’ school age touch rugby,” said Damian Gray, Newbold’s Head Touch Coach.

“There aren’t enough opportunities for girls aged 11-18 to play rugby. Touch rugby, is easier to arrange, safer and currently offers greater opportunities for potential players to progress and represent their country at playing rugby. It does not mean the girls cannot switch between touch and contact rugby, it just offers another opportunity to develop skills, learn tactics and have fun playing as a team.

“RHS is now the first school in the UK and possibly one of the first in the world, outside of Australia to have touch rugby taught by a qualified coach in lesson time. It’s a huge step for women and girls’ rugby and we are all excited to be part of this growing opportunity.”

2016 saw the Falcons produce their first England International as May Burke travelled to Holland to compete and win a silver medal in the European Championship for the U15 Mixed Squad and with several Falcons playing in Midlands squads and working towards full International status, 2017 looks like it could be an even better year.

The Newbold Falcons finished fifth on the day at Droitwich, to secure 5th place in the league, with Old Laurentians finishing 10th and Rugby St Andrews 14th.

Newbold Falcons Captain Wandzia Ashwell said; “I’m of course overjoyed at how we finished the season and to have three teams within a few miles of each other shows how much potential our town has. We can’t wait for our next training session this week and look forward to the 2017 season beginning in March.”

The Newbold Falcons train on Sundays 2-4pm and Wednesdays 7.15-8.30pm. Everyone is welcome, any age (12+), any ability to our friendly and relaxed structured training sessions. Contact us on Facebook Falcons TouchRugby or just drop by at Parkfield Road, Newbold.