Hartford Church of England High School girls' rugby event

So much so, that a tournament will be staged in a few weeks’ time.

Club leader Luke Skilbeck explains: “When I first joined Hartford, I was very keen to start up some rugby.

“It's a great sport and one of my two key sporting passions.

“Just before I finished for the summer term and athletics, I hosted a couple of girls rugby sessions.

“The first week I had three girls attend, and then two the week after!

“I was worried it wasn't something that there was an appetite for, but the students that were coming were so enthusiastic and told me how much they enjoyed it, so I decided to carry on.

“Being able to give up a small portion of time to help students try something new was absolutely worth it.

“The numbers grew slowly at first and then steadily.

“I now have a core group of girls who are committed to learning more each week but most importantly, turn up with smiles on their faces, ready to have as much fun as possible.

“From the weeks where I was worried it would just be me on the 3G, has moved on to hearing the relief of a group that were worried training wasn't on because I was running late.

“Rugby can sound quite scary at first, but the girls have thrown themselves into it and now when I'm trying to focus on passing ahead of our touch rugby tournament, they're asking me about tackling!”

Schools have been invited to take part in Hartford’s girls touch rugby competition on Monday, May 18.

St Nicholas Catholic High School, Middlewich High School, Weaverham High School, Rudheath Academy and Lymm High School are all set to feature.

Skilbeck said: “Over the past six years, there has been an increase of around 60 per cent in women and girls playing rugby. I'm glad we're a part of that.

“The competition is going to be a great celebration of girls' sport and helping to foster new experiences as a school.”