Ilkley Rugby Club to host girls open afternoon

Tuesday, 4 November 2025 06:05

A girls open afternoon is being held to see if enough girls in the local area interested in female only rugby

Inspired by the amazing results of the England Women's team this summer, Ilkley Rugby Club [IRFC] have decided now is the time to see if there are enough girls in the local area interested in female only rugby to create its own teams.

The club is hosting a free open afternoon of fun training drills, mini games, and some information about what it’s aiming to create over the coming months and years.

A spokesperson for Ilkley Rugby Club said:

“Whether the girls have played rugby for a club, at school, or have never picked up a ball before, we invite them to come along and give it a try (pun intended!). All girls from ages 8-16 are welcome.”

The open event is on Sunday 16 November between 1-3pm at Ilkley Rugby Club on Denton Road.

Emi, pictured above, says she loves playing rugby at IRFC and last year won the under 10's 'player of steel' award for her fearless tackles of players twice her size.

For two years Emi has been the only remaining girl in her mixed rugby team, after girls dropped off once they had to start contact games with boys. At the end of this season Emi currently faces having to leave the club she has trained at to find a female only team instead.

No registration is required, anyone interested in finding out more can just turn up between 1-3pm on Sunday 16 November. Please email any questions to petesmall.ilkleyrfc@gmail.com

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