Team GB inspire women to give rugby a try

Women across Scotland have been inspired to try rugby after watching the world’s best sevens players battle it out for gold at the Olympic Games in Rio. Since the Games began, nearly 60 women and girls have signed up via scottishrugby.org to find out where they can make their rugby debut this summer.Interest peaked during Team GB’s matches with women signing up all over the country from the Borders to the Highlands.And with pre-season training underway at clubs, now is the perfect time to find out why women’s rugby is taking the world by storm.Women’s rugby is inclusive of all shapes and sizes, no two players are the same and that’s what makes it special. Whether you aspire to represent Scotland or you just want to keep fit and make new friends, there is an opportunity for you.Clubs are welcoming beginners and returning players to join their ranks with options in every local authority in Scotland. Scottish Rugby will contact everyone who signs up with advice on the best club for them to join.Rugby isn’t just for players, coaching, refereeing and volunteering are just as important. Scottish Rugby can also give advice on how to get involved in these fun and social aspects.Scottish Rugby Women & Girls’ Development Manager, Sarah Quick, said: “Women’s sevens in Rio has been a fantastic spectacle of sport over the past three days. It’s great to have role models like the Team GB Women to inspire the next generation.”The athleticism, skill and passion has inspired women and girls all over Scotland to give rugby a try for the first time.Rugby last featured in the Olympics 92 years ago. Rio is the first time the abbreviated game has been included with 12 teams in each of the men’s and women’s tournaments.Australia women created history by winning the first Olympic sevens gold medal after a tense final against New Zealand and Canada claimed bronze after defeating Team GB. The men’s tournament kicks off today. Sign up to TRY RUGBY today!