AFTER the success of the Mini & Youth events at the Rugby Football Union (RFU) Fanzone Activation area in Gloucester, it was the turn of the girls on Sunday, October 4.

On a misty Sunday morning and in the shadow of the still smouldering Bakers Quays building in Gloucester, 80 players, aged eight to 18, from all over the County, including Cirencester and Old Richians, gathered to train and play touch Rugby.

The day was organised by Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union (GRFU) Management Board Member Rez Aminnia, on behalf of the GRFU Women’s & Girls sector.

There was also support from the RFU team, with Ashley Stephens, the Rugby Development Officer for the Forest of Dean and Community Rugby Coaches Ben Smith & Tom Eddolls lending a hand.

“I genuinely did not expect so many girls to attend”, commented Mr Aminnia. “We split the girls into countries using bibs from each country involved in the Rugby World Cup 2015, after Saturday night’s result we hoped for a turn in fortunes when England played Australia again!”

The mist soon cleared and the girls got down to the business in hand.

Club coaches led sessions in ‘Catch & Pass’ and split into countries, the girls went from station to station where the coaches put the girls through their paces.

Former Springbok and Gloucester Full Back, Thinus Delport, who led one of the skill stations, said: “The skill levels are very impressive and it’s great to see the girls having so much fun.”

Simon Jones, the Old Richians coach, commented: “Our girls enjoyed it so much they will be back next week. The GRFU should do something like this maybe every two months or so as it’s great to get all the coaches involved with the girls from other teams.”

“We found it particularly useful as our girls section is a start up club”, added Graham Strait, head coach for the Chipping Sodbury Girls. “It is good to see and link up with other teams and clubs.

Megan Goddard, England SW and Worcester Ladies players, was also coaching the girls and describing the day, said: “It’s been very enjoyable and every girl is leaving with a smile on their face and a spring in their step.”

The final on the day was contested by Australia and France, with the ‘Wallabies’ claiming victory.

The girls meet again at Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucester Docks on Sunday, October 11 at 10am. All girls and abilities welcome.