Thursday night saw the official Launch of the newly formed North Down Women’s Rugby Team. The team would like to thank their sponsors, Allianz Insurance, for providing the kit for the incoming season. The squad, made up of players from Ards, Bangor and Donaghadee rugby clubs, will be playing in the Ulster Women’s Rugby development league this season.

Present for the Launch were Joe Campbell from Allianz Insurance, Eliza Downey from the IRFU Ulster Branch, Presidents and Cub officials from Ards, Bangor and Donaghadee rugby clubs, coaching staff and over 20 players.

Joe Campbell presented the new shirts to the players, before the squad had a final training session in advance of their first league match away to Newry on Sunday. Players coaches and officials then moved into the clubhouse for a well-deserved bite to eat.

The team would also like to extend their thanks to the three rugby clubs who have given their support throughout the pre-season, to Danielle Perry who took on the task of designing the new kit, and to Paul Bond and Colin McLean who laid on the food for the evening.

In recent weeks the squad has grown significantly with new players arriving at almost every training session. The girls seem to be thoroughly enjoying the challenge of taking up a new sport, and it has been good to see a few old faces re-appear to offer help and share their experience with those who are new to rugby.

One player commented after a recent training session “We are starting to feel like a real team” This is a belief that is shared by the coaching team who have said “It is amazing how the team is coming together. The players are bonding well and looked really sharp during the team run on Thursday night”

Another player was heard to say “Very happy I stumbled across this rugby malarkey. It is an exciting time to be part of this motley crew. Really starting to feel like a proper team this past few weeks. Can’t wait for our first game on Sunday”.

As Stevie Nutt (Director of Rugby at Ards RFC) commented "Thanks to Joe and Allianz for supporting this groundbreaking venture by our three clubs. It’s great to see 3 traditionally rival clubs coming together to promote ladies rugby in our area. The hard work done by you all is admirable and now bearing fruit".

North Down Women’s Rugby train at Bangor and Donaghadee on alternate Monday nights, and at Ards every Thursday night. Anyone thinking of giving it a go is welcome to come along to any training session. For further information keep an eye on the team Facebook page @northdownwomensrugby.

[photo shows Jill Shaw and Danielle Perry presenting Joe Campbell (Allianz Insurance) with a framed shirt]