A NEW GIRLS rugby team featuring players from Painswick, Dursley and Gloucester celebrated its first match this weekend.

The Five Valleys Valkyries girls rugby team played its first match at the weekend, marking the start of a new playing partnership.

The under 12s team is made up of players from Painswick Rugby Club, Dursley Rugby Club and Old Cryptians Rugby Club (Gloucester).

The clubs joined together to give girls the opportunity to be part of a bigger team and play competitive friendly matches.

Their first opponent as a new team was Gloucester Hurricanes, with both teams managing to score a number of tries and working hard on the pitch.

Tom Russell from Painswick Rugby Club, who helped make the Valkyries a reality, said: “It was great to see how the girls have all got on so well and came together nicely as a team.

“They have worked really hard in training and saw the fruits of their labour in the first game.

“The smiles at the end of the match said it all!”

Kate Cropper, coach at Dursley Rugby Club said: “For clubs who are trying to develop a separate girls section, joining with other teams is important, so that everyone gets to give rugby a try.”

Girls and boys can play rugby together in minis age groups (primary school age) but have to separate once they go into secondary school.

The new girls team aims to keep girls playing rugby beyond eleven years old.

To find out more about joining Five Valleys Valkyries contact secretary@painswickrugby.co.uk