TAKING a lead from football and cricket, Jersey will soon have a ladies’ rugby team.

The idea to play the 15-a-side version of the sport came about following a decision by the wives, girlfriends and ‘friends of friends’, who are involved with Jersey United Banks RFC, that touch is okay, but that the full contact game could be even better.

‘For the first time last year we had a touch side, in the league,’ explained former stand-off for New Zealand side Manawatu, Amanda Corbett.

‘We didn’t win a game, but the more matches we played, the better we got.

We’ve got about 12 or 13 players who are interested, so we’d like a few more.

I think one or two of the other girls who play touch, and some of those who play football, might be interested.

‘I’ve a friend, Amanda Hade, who’s setting up a women’s team in Portlaoise, in Ireland, and I know that she’s keen to bring her team over.

‘We might also go over to Hampshire, at the end of this season.

Some of the girls haven’t played before, so this first season will be all about getting everyone up to speed.

‘We’ve already got a lot of girls keen to become involved in the forwards, including Fiona Maclean, who’s played two or three games in England at No 8.

‘The game’s not as aggressive as men’s rugby; although having played against some of the Maori women in New Zealand, the ladies’ game can be a little bit frightening.

‘But it’s good fun; there’s always a good team spirit and, having not played since 2000, for my part, I know I’ll just have to get used to being bruised again.’ Corbett was, and is, a decent stand-off who, in her own words, ‘can kick off both feet .

.

.

even my left foot when there’s a large No 8 charging down on me!’ Her rugby credentials are such that she played provincial rugby in New Zealand and also for the Royal Vets College in England.

Banks captain Ivan Murphy and their coach, Lennie McAviney, will help with initial training although Corbett has ‘no idea’ how much other interest there will be until training begins in earnest.

‘For those who think it’s unladylike, well, that’s only an opinion,’ said Corbett.

‘Netball and football can be just as vicious – even touch! And the one thing I’ve learnt is that when you go into the tackle, if you show 100 per cent commitment, it never hurts quite so much.

‘As for the physical challenge; as a vet I’m used to tackling large animals .

.

.

so I’m up for it! And I’m looking forward to beginning training again, in another two weeks’ time.’ For more information, Amanda can be contacted on 874374 or at amandacorbett@yahoo.com