A FUN recruitment event is being planned by the St Austell Rugby Club women’s team as it prepares for what it hopes will be an exciting future.

The Valkyries, as the women’s team is called, will be holding the event on Saturday, June 29, between 11am and 12.30pm at the rugby club on Tregorrick Road.

Team co-manager Steph Trudgian said: “We are hoping to encourage as many women as possible to get into rugby - and to find some new team members for the 2024-25 season along the way.

“We are looking for women aged 18 and above of any fitness level or game ability. Signing up for the team carries no pressure, with new members being able to train at their own pace weekly. New members can learn new skills while getting fit and staying social.

“Come along and try out a fun, laid-back training session and see what you reckon to the St Austell Valkyries.

“We are also excited to announce that the team is entering the women's Warrior league, competing against roughly 10 teams from across Cornwall - you could be part of this, the future is bright for women’s rugby.”

The team has also arranged training sessions to take place on Carlyon Beach during the summer.

Steph continued: “St Austell Rugby Football Club has many benefits. Playing the game, or just training, benefits your physical and mental well-being, giving you that feeling of release and empowerment, and you become part of the club's rugby family.

“We have women’s, children’s and men’s teams, fantastic rugby coaches and use of the gym, along with brilliant social events.

“In addition, the club has announced its Diamond Project. Members and directors have been working hard to create plans to turn unused space into women’s and youth changing areas for home and away teams. The facilities will include showers, toilets and extra physio rooms. The development will mean women and children can feel at ease changing and showering at the club. The facilities will hopefully be ready by September 2025.”

For more details on the recruitment event, visit the St Austell Women’s RFC Facebook page.