Bognor club's £2k bid to host women's rugby teams

Doug Millen, youth chair, club coach co-ordinator and first team manager, said the project would enable ‘much needed changing room and shower refurbishment’ which would allow for female teams to be introduced.

Aided by the NatWest kickstarter fund, Mr Millen said the £2,000 plans were fueled by an event held early this year. “One thing we realised from the RFU All Schools Initiative day is there are a lot of girls in the area, who we have struggled to recruit, who want to join in.

“I think this year will be a good year for the club, we are in the right league, our Colts members are coming back and we have big plans.”

The ambitious project has gained support from Connie James, a PE teacher at The Regis School.

She said: “It is about breaking the trend. The girls have seen the boys playing full contact but very often they don’t get the opportunity, we believe they should have that opportunity. It is about the whole ethos. We try to instill that determination and resilience that comes with it and the kids have thoroughly enjoyed it.

“We hope to make the club links even stronger, we have a huge amount of girls here we can send its way.”