Hornets are looking to bolster their pack

The side, which is in its fourth season, want several more to join – in order to set them up for a potential promotion.

They currently compete in the six-team NC Midlands Merit and it is a requirement to have 25 registered to move up a level. They currently have 17.

It is full-contact rugby and while that may sound daunting to those who have never played the sport before, coach Stuart Ferguson stresses it is very safe.

"You get it from a lot of people, that they generally see rugby as a man's sport," he said.

"It is very daunting but I'd say, with all the rules that are in place, it's probably safer than football.

"It's all about safety. Player safety, from my perspective as coach, is paramount."

Ferguson took on the ladies team at the back end of last season, having already been at the club for several years as a youth coach.

He has seen a good amount of progression in that time and would like to get out of the Merit league in the next two years.

"We've got 17 players at the moment but not all of them can always play," said Ferguson.

"We've had a bit of a recruitment drive over the last few months – we really want to get more women involved in the game as we've been struggling for numbers over the past year or so.

"I took the ladies on towards the end of last season and we won our last three games, so they've got stronger.

"There's a great family feel around the place as well.

"Ultimately, the goal would be to get out of the development league in the next two-years and into a full-blown league. To do that, though, we need a strong core."

The Hornets' second row Amber Williams echoed the thoughts of Ferguson.

She has been playing for a few years but, aged 40, acknowledges this campaign is probably her last. She just wishes she got involved earlier

"We want to really get the word out there, that is a ladies team here," said Williams.

"We've won the Development Shield the last two years so we're a competitive team, but we also have fun.

"Training is done with pads so you won't be put on the pitch for games until you're ready – until you can tackle and can take a hit.

"It doesn't hurt, honestly. If you're tackling someone, having been taught right, it won't hurt.

"We teach the technique, how to do things properly. It's a misconception that it's just a man's sport."

She added: "I wish I would've took up rugby earlier.

"I've been playing second row and with my knees, it's probably my last season.

"I still want to be involved. I'm hoping I'll do my level two coaching course once I stop playing, or my first aid – just to still be down there.

"It's a really good thing to do, you learn about discipline and responsibility – on and off the pitch.

"We may not always be ladies on the pitch but, off it, we still like to go out with our heels on at the social nights. It's a great place to be."

If you are interested in getting involved or would like more information, email stuartgferguson@outlook.com or search Telford Hornets Womens Rugby Club on Facebook.