The women’s section at Tewkesbury Rugby Club are on the lookout for new players.

There has been women’s rugby at the club for more than 30 years but this season they were forced to pull out of the league – they were playing in NC 2 South West (North) – because they were unable to raise a side.

They are still training every Wednesday – they are captained by Jorja Taylor – and long-serving player Jo Danter, who will be 48 next month, told The Local Answer: “We’ve launched a big recruitment campaign.

“At the moment we’ve got a solid 12 players, ideally we want a squad of 25. The plan is to rejoin the league next season and we’re hoping to arrange some friendlies next month.”

Danter started playing rugby when she was 17. She was originally a centre but these days plays in the second row.

“I’m not as quick as I used to be,” she laughed. “I was going to retire at the end of the season, but given the situation I’m going to play for another year.” 

The mum-of-two had an eight-year break from the game when she had her daughters but she has enjoyed every moment of her rugby life.

“It’s a great game,” she said. “I love being part of a team, I’ve made lifelong friends.

“The great thing about rugby is that it's for people of all shapes and sizes. It’s for people of all ages and fitness levels.

“It’s a chance for people to get fit, try a new sport and learn new skills.

“The training is really good – our coach Emily Hatherall is fantastic – and it gives you a chance to practise your skills before taking them out on the pitch.”

Anyone wanting further information about the women’s section at Tewkesbury should email twrfc2@gmail.com.