With the Rugby World Cup just around the corner, Windermere RUFC are encouraging women to get outside and give rugby union a try at their free Warrior Camp.

The Warrior Camp will take place at the Mere's Dawes Meadow ground next Wednesday from 6:30-8pm, with the session aiming to teach women the basics of the game and give them a chance to step out of their comfort zone.

Windermere run a successful women's team, with the Warriors winning the RFU Women’s NC Lancashire Merit League last season with a series of excellent performances.

Rugby union is one of the fastest-growing female sports in the country, with over 18,000 women taking it up through the Warrior Camps, which are run by the Rugby Football Union and were set up in 2017.

The wide range of different playing positions means there’s a role for everyone to fit all skill sets, whether they feel they can add power at scrum time or prefer to run free on the wing.

During the Warrior Camp, participants will be given the opportunity to learn many of the basic skills of rugby through fast-paced, team games and drills.

Captain of England Red Roses Sarah Hunter said: “The Rugby World Cup is a great example of players with a range of different skills and physical attributes working together to achieve success on the rugby pitch.

"This showcase of inclusivity and diversity of shapes and sizes, as well as the visible camaraderie and resilience, will hopefully encourage lots of women to pick up a rugby ball and identify how their skills can translate onto the pitch.”

RFU rugby development director Steve Grainger said: “The Rugby World Cup offers us a fantastic platform to showcase the game of rugby to those who might not yet know the benefits they could experience from becoming involved in the sport.

"For those inspired by the World Cup, the Warrior Camps offer women the opportunity to try it for themselves in a fun and welcoming environment.”