“This season marks a proud and powerful moment in the history of Longlevens RFC.”

So says club president Gareth Butler, who is referring is the launch of the club’s first ever women’s mixed ability team.

And tomorrow they will play their first ever game when they host Stafford in what will be a very special day for everyone involved.

The team were founded by Clare Daley at the start of the season and the 51-year-old is set to start on the wing tomorrow.

“It will be my first game, Longlevens’ first women’s mixed ability game and the first women’s mixed ability game in Gloucestershire,” she said.

The game is scheduled for a 2pm start at Longford Lane and Daley continued: “It’s the same laws as rugby – 15-a-side and played over 80 minutes. The big difference is we have uncontested scrums.”

The sport also provides rules for contact and non-contact players, giving every participant the chance to develop new skills.

“We’ve got 27 players in the squad and for two-thirds of them this will be their first game of rugby,” said Daley. “It will be a very proud day for both myself and the club.”

Longlevens’ men’s mixed ability team has been established for a number of years and Butler added: “Longlevens has been built on community, passion and opportunity, and now that legacy grows even stronger.

“The women’s mixed ability side represents everything grassroots rugby stands for – inclusion, teamwork, resilience and belonging.

“Bringing together players of different abilities onto the same pitch isn’t just about playing rugby, it’s about breaking barriers, building confidence and creating a space where everyone can thrive.”