RUGBY UNION

Six clubs in the northeast have pooled resources in a bid to put women’s rugby on the map in the Grampian area.

An initiative inspired by Aberdeen Wanderers to give girls under 15 and under 18 more opportunities to play the sport has been backed by clubs from Banff, Deeside, Ellon, Inverurie and Huntly.

Co-ordinator Guy Mullinor oversees the fortnightly squad sessions at the Aberdeen Sports Village along with Huntly’s Steve Hutchison. A weekly training session is held ateachof the six participating clubs.

Mullinor said: “Thanks to the enthusiasm and support of these five other clubs we now have more than 50 girls who can get a game most weeks, something which could not have been achieved from one club.

“We are able to field two underage teams strong enough to compete around the country. Getting access to Aberdeen Sports Village has been a bonus.

“It has been very encouraging so far with one of the girls teams making it to the semi-final of a national competition, while the other team has reached the quarter-finals.

The scheme has been backed by the Scottish Rugby Union.

Wanderers’ Russell Arthur said: “It's a great asset in the area. We have some very talented girls coming through but we must ensure they have the infrastructure to grow and develop their skills set.''

Clubs or individuals wishing to become involved should contact Guy Mullinor on 075 95 510 215

Man at the helm: Guy Mullinor