MORE women are being encouraged to get into rugby - with a Worcester councillor coughing up £2,000 to help it happen.

The city's Dines Green area has now got its own dedicated female-only classes every week after an intervention from Councillor Richard Udall.

Every year all 57 members of Worcestershire County Council get £10,000 to spend on worthy causes in their patches.

From that kitty, £2,000 has gone into Wednesday and Thursday women's rugby sessions at The Green Centre, in Gresham Road to get more females into the sport.

The hope is that it will help get people more healthy and active, and give a boost to the game's popularity.

The funding offer means the sessions are also completely free of charge, with the classes run by coaches and players from Worcester Ladies RFC.

Councillor Udall said: "Women’s rugby is growing fast in Worcester.

"England are the world champions, and Worcester have many England players in their team.

"I'm keen to ensure the sport is open to all and that everybody has an opportunity to take part, hopefully Worcester Ladies and even England may get some new players from Dines Green.

"So far we have had two sessions, they have been great fun for all those taking part.

"This is a real opportunity for local residents to be part of some new sport.

"National and international players have agreed to give up their time and share their skills with local people, all the sessions are free and we welcome all skills and ages to take part."

The sessions are non-contact, with an under-19s class taking place every Wednesday from 3pm-4pm, and over-19s classes on Thursdays from 5.30pm-6.30pm.

They are designed to cater for those who have never played rugby before and players with potential will be able to join in a full Worcester Ladies RFC training session if they wish.

For more details contact The Green Centre on 01905 453453 or just turn up to one of the classes.

Alternatively, you can contact Andy Baldwin, the ladies team's media and sponsorship manager, on ladies.media@worcesterrugbyclub.