Wigton Rugby Club's try-umphant surge in girls playing

It comes as the England Rugby Association reports that women’s and girls’ rugby has seen an average yearly 12 per cent growth over the past decade - a figure reflected in Wigton where numbers are on the up. 

Wigton has five talented girls in its under sevens and under 10s teams, and a full women’s team with around 20-25 players - The Wigton Wildcats.

Wigton has five talented girls in its under sevens and under 10s teams (Image: INTROPR)

37-year-old Wigton lad and club director Ryan Dobson believes the shift in attitudes in the game is a positive development.

“It was very much a male-dominated sport when I started,” said Ryan.

“But that’s all changing. We have mixed junior teams and a Ladies Senior Team for women aged 16 plus.

“As a father of two little girls, I am so encouraged by these changes.

Club encouraged by growth in girls taking up the sport (Image: INTROPR)

"Willow and Rowan are very young, just five and six, but they already love coming to the club to see their daddy play - and if they want to give rugby a go one day, I’m all for it.

"Rowan can already catch, so I have high hopes for her," he said.

The club is also at the heart of the local community offering activities including line dancing, hockey, squash, cricket, keep fit and football as well as social evenings.  

New-kit celebrations following Fibrus' Play It Forward fund (Image: INTROPR)

Last year, a £1,000 donation from Fibrus Broadband's Play it Forward fund has also meant the once mismatched junior kits are now entirely replaced.

“It’s great when a company like Fibrus backs what we are doing. Getting new kits has really boosted the younger teams," Ryan said. 

Linda McMillan, chief people officer at Fibrus, said: "Our 'Play It Forward' fund demonstrates this commitment, showing our belief in the power of grassroots initiatives.

"We believe in investing in the potential of local communities, and we're proud to play a role in empowering communities to succeed.”