THE first women's rugby team to form in the Eden area are training hard and are relishing their forthcoming competitive bow.

The Upper Eden Eagles, who are based in Kirkby Stephen, were established in July last year but for their first season joined forces with the Windermere Warriors and contributed to a hugely successful season when the team clinched the North West Merit League title.

But this season, the Eagles are flying solo and under coach Dave Pearson will enter the Merit League as an indepedent team.

They kicked off their pre-season training with a fitness boot camp under instructor Wiz Lees, and the session on Shap playing field also provided an opportunity for team-building after the spring break.

Women's rugby has been soaring in popularity throughout Cumbria and the Eagles plan to host a number of fitness and recruitment events throughout the season to attract more new players to the team.

Training sessions take place on Wednesday evenings between 7.00pm and 8.30pm at Upper Eden Rugby Club and you don't need any experience to attend.

Anyone with inquiries about training, membership, recruitment or sponsorship opportunities should visit the Upper Eden Eagles social media pages or email Katy Strong - katystrong123@hotmail.co.uk.