A girls rugby team in Penarth is keen to welcome new members as they prepare to meet once again on Thursday evening.

The Old Penarthians Mariners girls' team, which welcomes members from aged eight to 18, has already seen more girls join since Covid restrictions were eased, starting at six girls to almost 20.

But the club would still like more girls to be introduced to the sport. Stuart Clarke, 32, director at Old Penarthians Mariners, told Nub News: "We've been astonished by the growth and, whenever we've decided to try and promote the girls' team, more people have turned up to training sessions. Growth has been very organic and hasn't been pushed."

Some of the club's senior players are volunteers. "We have a senior women's team and four of those players coach the girls," said Stuart. "We're trying to create a bit of a pathway, all the way through."

Stuart used to work for the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and coached a regional women's team. He explains why girls can still be hesitant to join a rugby team. "The stereotype is well and truly embedded, but it's one of those things where you just need to give it a try," said Stuart.

"Rugby is a sport for all and especially with the girls set up that we run. There are lots of tasters and non-contact stuff – if they want to try contact stuff, then great. Nothing is pressurised.

"We provide equipment too. There are boots for them to borrow or keep and the WRU provided around 30 pairs of gilbert boots dedicated to the girls' section. We make sure that, for anyone that needs them, they get a brand-new pair of gilbert boots."

After leading some sessions at Stanwell School late last year, Stuart gave a few pairs of boots to the girls, and they then turned up to the club training sessions. "Things like that really help and our biggest success is our friendly environment," said Stuart. "We like to think that once people come, they enjoy it and come back with a friend."

Girls aged between eight to 18 are welcome to join and attend the training sessions at Cwrt-Y-Vil Recreation Ground.

The next session is at 18:30 – 19:30 on Thursday, March 3.