In 1887 Emily Valentine scored the first ever recorded try by a woman or girl anywhere in the world when she played for her brother’s school team. It would be a hundred years until women’s rugby took on any real form of organisation and it would take the 21st Century before it reached the mainstream. Now, women playing rugby, is a reality that has created the fastest growing team sport in the world.

Fast forward to April 2016 and something incredible happened at Old Bath Road; Redingensians Rams started their first foray into women’s rugby. It is early days but the Sirens, as they have become known, are showing very promising signs for the future. On the 22nd April the team played a demonstration game prior to the match between the Rams and Worthing. Then, on the 7th May they travelled to Bracknell where they won the game 36 – 20 in what was their first ever 15 a side match. Their style of play has already won over many fans and head coach Seb Reynolds could not be prouder of his team. Now with a developing squad the Sirens look to next season and their chance to play their own part in the growth of women’s rugby.

There is a problem though, women’s rugby has not yet reached the point where there are enough girls coming through to sustain it. Many of those in the adult game never played as children and only discovered the joy of playing in later life. That is no different at the Sirens where only a handful of the team have any previous experience of playing the game. Aged 18 and upwards, our oldest players are in their late 40’s, the Sirens come from all walks of life. From the fittest, to the true couch potato, the Sirens have created an environment in which each member of the team thrives.

The Sirens are an inclusive team that aims to cater for everyone in a non-pushy environment. Whether you are an experienced player who wants to come back to the game or a newbie who has never played before. The Sirens coaching philosophy will let you develop at your own speed, gaining confidence in your abilities and increasing your enjoyment of rugby. If you are still not sure, just come and watch a training session and you’ll find you cannot resist taking part. In return, as a Siren, you will gain a great group of friends and discover that you can achieve far more than you ever thought possible. You don’t have to take my word for it though, here are some comments from members of the team. If you don’t believe me, come ask them yourself at our next training session.

“I wish I’d found this game a long time ago. It’s the most fun I’ve ever had exercising and being part of a team – all different ages, experiences and skills – is really special.” - Sarah

“I thought that I would be too old and too unfit to play rugby as a 40 year old, slightly overweight, couch potato but I have found that rugby is for absolutely everyone and now I feel healthier and fitter than I have in years.” – Sally

“Rugby takes me out of my comfort zone and that's the best place to be when you want to challenge yourself and grow as a person.” – Mel

The Sirens return to training at Old Bath Road on the 14th June at 7.30pm. If you would like more information please email the team manager, Geraint Lewis on geraint.irfon.lewis@gmail.com

Come and be part of the #SirenSong #EmbraceTheChaos