A rugby cluster that goes by the name of 3C Thunder is making plenty of noise.

3C Thunder is a cluster of clubs who have come together to provide girls aged from under-12s to under-16s the opportunity to play contact rugby.

They run three teams – under-12s, 14s and 16s – and the majority of their players are from Tewkesbury, Bredon and Evesham rugby clubs.

There are also a couple of players from Malvern and Upton, while the under-12s are also supplemented by players from Cheltenham North.

“This is our third season,” said Duncan Taylor, who coaches the under-16s and is one of the driving forces behind 3C Thunder.

“We’ve got about 40 to 50 players across the three age groups and we play matches every two or three weeks.”

They train every week, and Taylor continued: “We are nomadic but the amalgamation gives the girls the chance to play contact rugby.

“If they just played for their clubs there wouldn’t be enough players to play matches.”

Taylor, who is 48, still plays in the back row for Bredon 2nds when needed and his 14-year-old daughter Lexi is a keen rugby player.

“She’s a winger, and unlike me, she’s quick,” said her dad. “I’d love her to play under-18s rugby, the plan is to set up an under-18s team.”

And they are certainly proactive.

“We go to schools and offer to take their rugby sessions,” said Taylor. “We’ve picked up a few girls that way.”

Ultimately, 3C Thunder’s biggest success would be if they are disbanded because clubs have enough players to field their own teams and, if that happens, Taylor would be delighted.

“I want girls to have the opportunity to play contact rugby,” he said. “Rugby is such a great sport. I love the atmosphere, the friendship, it’s a sport for all shapes and abilities.

“It gives so much and is a proper team sport. The under-16s played Droitwich in a 60-minute game the other week, showing great resilience and determination to end the game 41-41.

“They were still putting in the tackles, they had great spirit, they just wanted to play.

“Rugby gives the girls a chance to get stuck in and make friendships, it’s great to see.”

Anyone wanting more information about 3C Thunder can call Taylor on 07887 941844.