Maroon maidens ready for kick-off

Open to all ages from S1 & up, Under-15s, Under-18s and senior women, this is an introductory meeting to gauge interest in the sport from the fairer sex.

All women and girls interested in playing, assisting with administration, or simply supporting, should come along for a chat, meet the club’s new women’s rugby manager Lesley Robertson, development officer Ian Millar and officials.

Details about the club’s exciting new plans will be discussed over tea, coffee and biscuits.

And for those who wish, a light fun rugby session will be held on the neighbouring 3G arena from 7pm.

The club is looking to extend this to offering ladies fun rugby sessions and training for all age-groups and levels of ability and fitness on Monday evenings.

And the launch night the following Monday (February 15) will see some international stars on the pitch with the ladies.

Looking ahead, the Maroons are proposing to participate in the Scottish Womens Rugby National Development League from the beginning of the 2016/17 season, and to create a full set of integrated competitive girls and adult women’s teams.

The new women’s rugby section will be very much part of the existing club, not a separate entity.

Club president Graham Low said: “It is tremendously exciting to envisage what we can achieve by providing opportunities for girls and women of all ages from Galashiels and the surrounding area to enjoy our sport, and, in a very short space of time, to participate in competitive rugby at all levels.

“We will warmly welcome every potential female rugby player and volunteer administrator to the club on Monday evenings.

“We are a highly inclusive organisation and support the principles of equality.

“It has been our long-standing intention to integrate Women’s Rugby throughout the club’s activities.

“We greatly appreciate the support and encouragement received from Scottish Rugby for this initiative.”