Women encouraged to join Ipswich Scorpions Rugby Union club

Scorpions womens rugby team. Picture:Sarah Lucy Brown (Image: Archant)

Women in and around Ipswich are being encouraged to scrum down to Humber Doucy Lane, where a ladies rugby team has reformed.

Led by head coach Matt Jackson, the Ipswich Scorpions train on Wednesday evenings at Ipswich Rugby Club, the eventual aim being to bring competitive women’s rugby back to the town

Jackson, a former player himself with Hadleigh and Felixstowe, said: “The Scorpions reformed in September 2016, having been an established side a few years ago, the main purpose being to promote fitness and try and get women in a form of exercise and activity.

“The RFU (Rugby Football Union) set a target at the last World Cup to increase participation levels and that was a contributing factor towards the Scorpions reforming.”

Ipswich Scorpions coach, Matt Jackson (Image: Archant)

So far, the club has attracted anywhere between 10 and 15 players per session, numbers varying from week to week due to commitments away from the rugby field.

The project is very much in its infancy and Jackson is keen to get more members on board before the club can go forwards in a competitive manner.

“It’s a bit early to play competitive fixtures, of our members, only four have any rugby experience,” he said.

“The vast majority have never played before and come from all walks of life.”

The Scorpions will be holding a full pre-season in the summer and will enter certain 7s and 10s tournaments next season.

The third season will hopefully see a more established team begin to play friendly matches.

“It’s all about getting the club’s name out and about,” added Jackson, who answered an advert on Facebook to become the new coach.

“I would expect a little hesitance from women at first, over the prospect of playing rugby, but once they see the players already here, hopefully they will come along.

Training is held every Wednesday between 7pm and 8.30pm at Humber Doucy Lane, Ipswich.

For more information about the club, contact head coach Jackson on email:ipswichscorpionswomensrugby@hotmail.com or through the Scorpions’ official Facebook page.