THE summer of 2011 remains undecided for Woodbridge Amazons, the region’s premier women’s rugby side.

THE summer of 2011 remains undecided for Woodbridge Amazons, the region’s premier women’s rugby side.

While several local teams will be playing in summer tournaments, the Amazons squad could be in somewhat more exotic climes.

Long standing team member and former captain, Emma ‘Magic’ Johnson has decided to start a fundraising effort to raise money for a tour of Fiji next year with one catch - if they fail to raise the necessary cash they will have to forget about their passports and get out their bus passes to compete in the Southwold Beach tournament.

“We’ve got a number of fundraising events in the pipeline at the moment,” said Johnson, who has promised to donate 20 per cent of any of the funds raised to Woodbridge Rugby Club’s new club house fund.

“It’s obviously going to cost a lot so any contributions would be gratefully received. We want to give as many of the girls as possible the chance to go so any contributions will be gratefully received.”

A treasure hunt car rally has already got things rolling while the Amazon ball, due to take place at Hungarian Hall on May 1, will raise further funds.

A trip to Fiji would be a fitting reward for the Amazons, who have enjoyed three successive promotions since their inception three years ago.

This season is set to be their first where they miss out with Johnson and Co. currently sitting in third place in RFUW NC South East with one game to play against Ealing Jades on Sunday.

But their success is being used as a template by the Suffolk RFU to give women’s rugby a kick-start in the area and Johnson is encouraging any girls interested to give the game a chance.

“I was not sure about playing when I first started as it was just something that I had never thought of doing. But as soon as I started playing I just absolutely loved it.

“I’ve been involved with the Amazons for the last three years years and ever since I started playing for them I haven’t looked back.

“There’s a great team spirit and everyone that comes along always says how friendly it is here.

“We’ve got very experienced players right down to girls who have just been playing for us for about two or three weeks.

“The thing about rugby is that there’s a position for absolutely everyone on the pitch.”

If you would like to find out more about the events the Amazons have planned to raise money for their tour to Fiji check out www.challengeamazons.co.uk