WOMEN are being encouraged to "unleash their inner strength and determination" by embracing the challenge of trying out rugby as a sport.

Since January 2017, more than 10,000 women across the country have given rugby a try at their local Warrior Camp.

Windemere Rugby Club are encouraging women to bring a friend and experience rugby in a fun and friendly environment.

The Warrior Camp offers an introduction to the basic skills of rugby through team-based activities that foster bonds between participants.

Vicky Macqueen, former England Rugby international, said: “Rugby is a team sport and so the teamwork and camaraderie that comes with that is awesome for confidence and a sense of belonging. The physical benefits are brilliant too, you will get stronger, leaner, faster and healthier and this in turn has a positive impact on your mental health. Rugby makes you feel good about yourself, especially after the endorphins released from playing the game.

“I owe many friendships, personal achievements and my physical fitness and health to the sport of rugby, and I am all about inspiring more and more people to pick up a ball and give it a try.”

Steve Grainger, Rugby Football Union Director of Rugby Development, said: “Inner Warrior has proven to be a great success and we are excited for women to have the opportunity to get involved and try something new and exciting at our Warrior Camps based at their local rugby clubs”.

The rugby try-outs will be held at Dawes Meadow on Longland Road in Bowness-on-Windermere on May 15 from 6.30pm till 8pm.