South Pembs Wildcats, a new South Pembrokeshire Girls Rugby Cluster, are inviting local girls to give rugby a try.

Sessions begin at the launch night on April 18, from 6 pm, at The Clicketts Sports Field, Tenby.

South Pembs Wildcats will be running sessions for three age groups: Under 9s, Under 11s and Under 13s. The coaches, all qualified and DBS checked, include Emma, Leila, Sian, Ffion, Jamie, Holly and Tim, who are looking forward to this new adventure and giving girls the opportunity to play rugby.

Lisa Davies is the child protection officer and Rachel Grieve the manager.

“We are very excited to set up this girls’ rugby cluster, which has been in discussion for quite a while,” explained Rachel. “Girls’ rugby is an extremely popular sport now in Wales. We will be offering tag to the younger age groups, and a mixture of tag and contact with the Under 13s. The benefits of playing rugby are huge - new skills, new friends, respect, teamwork, fitness and fun, to name just a few. The first two weeks will be free, and then a £15 registration fee will be charged, which will include a t-shirt to play in, and this will cover equipment, playing facilities etc. We look forward to seeing you all on our launch night!”

Jamie, coach of the Under 13s, continued: “As a former county coach, over 150 Pembrokeshire kids trialed last year and not one of them was a girl. We want to unlock the girls’ rugby talent that is here - we’ve seen it in the results of the Urdd festivals, where both Saundersfoot and Tenby primary schools have won the Welsh title!”

The South Pembs Wildcats are partnering with the Fair Trade In Football and Rugby Campaign and using Bala Sport Fairtrade rugby balls, another first for the area.

“I am so pleased that girls are being invited to play rugby with the South Pembs Wildcats. It’s great to see people working to support their local communities and by supporting Fairtrade that means the Fairtrade rugby ball stitchers get a fair deal too.”

Fairtrade rugby balls are handmade at a newly certified Fairtrade sports ball factory in India. Workers are guaranteed a fairer deal, with safe and fair working conditions and all the benefits of Fairtrade, including the Fairtrade premiums paid on each ball, used by workers to provide whatever their communities need, be it healthcare, housing, clean water, education and more.

Greenhill School posted support on Facebook: ‘Excellent opportunity starting soon in the local community… Year 7 and 8 girls invited to attend the South Pembs Wildcats launch night… Following rugby taster sessions with Mr. Williams of Sport Pembrokeshire, there has been a good start to the extra-curricular Girls Rugby Club after school…All welcome to attend, whether you are new to the game or have experience. Everyone welcome #thisgirlcan ‘Rugby is not just for boys’.’

Contact Rachel 07977 431512 or attend the launch day, April 18, 6 pm, The Clicketts Sports Field, Tenby.