Here come the girls!

Skills, game understanding, nutrition and wellbeing were all on the schedule when Exeter Chiefs Community held a girls-only rugby camp in Cornwall.

St Austell RFC hosted the camp led by three Exeter Chiefs Women’s players - Taz Bricknell, Kayleigh Priest and Hope Rogers - following the success of a previous girls’ session run at Penryn RFC.

The camp was open to girls aged between 12 and 18 to develop their rugby skills as they head into the remainder of the season. It also featured educational sessions on healthy eating and menstruation, plus team-building activities, in a supportive environment.

Bricknell, who is also a member of the Chiefs Community team, said: “We had an amazing day despite the weather. The girls came to develop their skills and understanding of the game and learn all about a balanced diet and how periods affect women in sport.

“This is the first time we have implemented these educational sessions, as we feel it’s so important girls understand their bodies and don’t stop playing just because they are on their period.”

Players came from across the county and Devon to attend the camp in the wake of growing girls’ participation in the sport.

Tom Steer, community department manager, said: “Girls have long been regular attendees of our mixed rugby camps but we felt it would be good to hold one just for them so they could train with confidence alongside their peers and to benefit from excellent coaching from our women’s players.

“This is something we will look to repeat in the future to help encourage girls to not only take up the sport but to remain in the game too.”