DURSLEY RFC are encouraging women to unleash their Inner Warrior by attending their free taster session as part of England Rugby’s new nationwide campaign.

Launched this month, the ‘Meet Your Inner Warrior’ campaign will see clubs across the country stage special sessions to encourage more women and girls to challenge themselves through rugby.

The camps give women the chance to play rugby in the hope they will embrace the sport and join a local club.

Dursley will host their event on Sunday January 29 from 2pm-3pm with a session of basic skills planned as well as the chance to use the scrum machine and chat with current players.

Katie Thompson, captain of Dursley Ladies said “Here at Dursley Rugby Club, we have a ladies development team which means it’s a perfect environment for beginners who want to try a contract sport.

“The open session is your chance to come along, pick up a rugby ball and meet our existing players. No pressure and no expectations, just some muddy fun.”

Nicola Davies, a 41-year-old mum-of-two who joined Dursley Ladies in 2011, she said: “I left it late to join a rugby club and that’s my biggest regret.

“It’s a great sport for all shapes and sizes, and I’ve seen young players grow in confidence because of rugby. I’d urge anyone to give it a go and come along to the session.”

Steve Grainger, RFU Rugby Development Director said: “We set ourselves an ambitious target when launching our women and girls strategy in 2014; to get 25,000 women participating in contact rugby.

“Despite the ever-growing appetite for the sport that we have witnessed through achieving our target one year ahead of schedule, we know there is still work to be done to ensure women are aware of the opportunities out there for them to participate in rugby, whether for fun or at a competitive level.

“The upcoming ‘Warrior Camps’ are a great chance for newcomers or returning players to take part in the sport through a fun and informal session.”