Barrow Raiders have changed the structure of the way they operate to further encourage women to get involved in rugby.

The changes will mean that the Barrow Raiders Ladies Reserves team will now be called Barrow and District Raiders.

The side will be a representative club embracing and including eight other teams across the Furness peninsula and will play in League Two of the women's league.

Read more: Council brands female Barrow rugby players as 'inspiration' | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)

The clubs getting involved are Roose Pioneers ARLFC, Barrow Island ARLFC, Walney Central ARLFC, Dalton ARLFC, Ulverston ARLFC, Hindpool Tigers ARLFC, Millom RLFC, and Askam Rugby Club.

A spokesperson from Barrow Raiders said: "These eight sides have offered to host our home league games and we hope to have training sessions at those clubs in a bid to increase participation.

"Many of these clubs are providing touch rugby opportunities and this will provide a pathway for players to play the contact game - hopefully some will continue the journey to our Women's Super League team."

The aim of the changes is to inspire more young women to take up the sport, whilst widening the club's reach to a larger target audience.

By joining with eight other clubs, the hope is that more new and undiscovered talent will be unearthed in the region.

Louise Scarr said: "Us at Walney Central are more than happy to host them.

"Our Ladies Touch team are very much looking forward to having a training session with them."

Gaz Sandy, of Askam Rugby League Club, explained it would serve as an extension of support they already give to the men's side and the women's Super League roster.

"We're happy to accommodate Barrow and District Raiders Ladies in anyway we can," Gaz added.

Responding to the news, fans have already seen the shift in structure as a step in a positive direction.

Lee Edmondson said: "I think this is a great move to try and develop women’s rugby league in the area, giving it a community representation feel whilst also giving a clearer pathway to the Raiders Super League team."