DEVONPORT Services will have a women’s team playing league rugby in 2018/19.

Services have had their application to join the South West Two South accepted.

It means the club will become one of just a few in Devon to be able to offer rugby for all age groups of men and women.

They were one of the first clubs in the South West to have a women’s team, but that side folded a number of years ago. However, in recent years they have had a successful junior girls’ set-up, which has produced current England player Lagi Tuima.

Now girls coming through the club will be able to progress through to a senior side.

The club have had women training since last summer, including a number of Navy personnel, and they played in the recent Devon 10s Festival at Plymstock. They now feel ready to enter a league.

“Last summer we held an Inner Warrior session during the Women’s World Cup to see if there was an appetite for another women’s team in Plymouth and we saw that there was,” said Services’ Mike Lewis.

“The club have been thinking about it for a few years now. Now girls can come all the way through the club from the age of seven.”

Services’ women’s section train every Wednesday at the Rectory and have players of all ages from 18 through to veterans. Many of their side are new to rugby and they welcome new players. Anyone interested should contact Mike Lewis at michaellewis@rfu.com