A new Rugby Football Union (RFU) initiative has been launched that will see Bolton Rugby Club host a series of rugby union activities to get girls aged 11-18 involved with the game over summer.

‘Love Rugby’ camps are part of the RFU’s Love Rugby campaign designed to promote and support girls’ rugby. England Rugby wants girls to have the belief and confidence rugby is for them, and the Love Rugby campaign is designed to help clubs show the passion, energy and fun girls experience when playing rugby with their friends.

With England’s Red Roses currently positioned as the number one ranked side in the world, and with a home World Cup being hosted in this country next year, there is huge excitement and increased interest around women’s rugby union at present. Bolton Rugby Club is capitalising on the momentum by running Love Rugby camps and summer rugby activity.

The Avenue Street side will run a Love Rugby camp this Saturday between 1-4pm which is free to attend and includes refreshments. They will then have four weekly summer rugby sessions on June 8 and 22, July 6 and 20, starting at 1pm. Girls of all abilities are encouraged to attend, and gain from the benefits the sport brings to physical and mental health.

With World Rugby stating the women’s game is the single biggest opportunity to grow the sport globally, the Love Rugby campaign was launched in 2023 to support more girls to play rugby than ever before.

The women’s game in England is already flourishing from the grassroots level through to the elite, while the participation number for women and girls has risen to more than 40,000. With England hosting Rugby World Cup 2025, the aim is to reach 100k registered female players by 2027.

There will be 250 Love Rugby camps taking place around the country throughout May, with an additional four weekly sessions of rugby taking place later in the summer. Girls, or their parents and guardians, can find out more on the Bolton Rugby Club website, or follow them on Facebook.

England’s most-capped player Sarah Hunter said, “There is a huge opportunity to engage and grow the girls’ game, especially as we lead up to hosting Rugby World Cup 2025.

“I love the ‘Love Rugby’ campaign and am excited to see more girls giving rugby a go, whether that be at school, college, or their local club.”

Mark Turner, a girls coach at Bolton, said: “Love Rugby camps are a fun way for girls to play rugby over summer.

“They are suitable for complete newbies to rugby or more experienced players. Rugby is so beneficial to mental and physical health, and I would strongly encourage girls to give it a go and join us this summer.

“In September we are hoping to have more girls to register and join our Amazons, after a successful season in 2023/24. Bolton Amazons are a welcoming set of girls, and it matters not what your ability is you will be made most welcome.”

You can register your interest using the form at https://form.jotform.com/240993005042348.

Visit findrugby.com or Bolton Rugby Club at www.boltonrugby.co.uk for more information.