BATH Rugby Union stars teamed up with Weston College to launch women’s touch rugby activities for students.

Full-back Jack Cuthbert and prop Nathan Catt put the women through their paces at Weston-super-Mare’s Drove Road Rugby Club along with new England Rugby Football Union Development Officer Julie Price, as well as Neil Davies who runs Bath’s Touch Leagues.

Weston College Sports Coordinator Sabrina Page said: “This is a first for the College and is part of our enrichment programme to encourage more students to do sport. We were delighted to have the Bath Rugby players with us at the launch because they really helped inspire the students.

“Unlike the traditional game touch rugby is not as highly physical. It’s simpler, without goalposts and there is less likelihood of injury because you touch rather than tackle which makes it easier for mixed gender and women-only games.”

Student Sarah Jackson, who participated in the activities, was awarded an England shirt by Ms Price for being the most improved player of the session.

Sarah, who is from Weston and is studying a BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science, said: “Touch rugby is great fun and it’s much less aggressive. The next stage is for us to set up our own team which would allow us to play other colleges.
 
"Getting involved in sports like this is fantastic because you get to meet lots of interesting people and you can keep fit. We would like more women to join us and I think others would really enjoy touch rugby.”

For more information on women’s touch rugby at the College call Sabrina Page on 01934 411762 or email sabrina.page@weston.ac.uk.

To find out more about courses at Weston College call 01934 411 481 or go to www.weston.ac.uk.