The All Golds have confirmed the formation of the Golden Ferns – a Women’s team which will be atop a pyramid pathway for females in the South.
This will encompass the Golden Fern Cup for secondary schools which will feature school sides at years 7 and 8 compete in a nine-a-side tournament on May 6 before a primary schools’ festival on July 7, both to be held at the Churchdown School, Gloucester.
The Goldern Ferns will be led by Becca Addis who has represented Gloucestershire Rugby Union and is the current county girls’ U18s Head Coach and a Cheltenham Tigers player.
Addis said: “Coming from a Rugby family affiliated with the All Golds, there was no chance I would pass up the opportunity to join the club. The Golden Ferns are forming such an exciting time, both for the club and women’s Rugby League.
“The girls we have recruited so far will be massively suited for the big hits and skill of the game. The management have already been incredibly supportive and the potential for the women’s section is endless.
All Golds’ Director, Julie Kent, said: “The standard of female athlete in the West and South West of England is outstanding and we are confident a high-quality performance Golden Ferns team will be assembled with the aim of reaching the top echelons of the women’s game nationally.”
The concept has been supported by the Rugby Football League’s Director of Participation and Development Mark Lovering who added: “We are delighted to hear about the emergence of the Golden Ferns.
“We have some ambitious plans to develop the Women and Girls’ game in the South of the Country and the Goldern Ferns will be a huge part of that.
“It is an area we have identified as being rich in talent and I’m sure it won’t be too long before we have players from the West and South in an England shirt.”
Outstanding athletes from all sporting disciplines are welcome to apply to become a Golden Fern info@allgoldsrugby.co.uk. Previous rugby experience of either code is not a requirement.
Training will commence at 6.45pm on Wednesday May 6 at the club headquarters – St Peter’s Sports’ Centre Stroud Road Gloucester GL4 0DD, www.allgoldsrugby.co.uk.
