Craig Dunain women set for first competitive outing
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THE drive to re-establish women’s rugby in the city continues to gather momentum with a team from Inverness Craig Dunain heading to Mull for a tournament tomorrow.
It was only in November that the club, whose men’s team currently play in Caledonia Regional League Division Three North, announced their intention to press ahead with plans to have a female squad as well.
Not since 2004 have Craig Dunain had a women’s team, while there is currently no female side either at near neighbours Highland.
Having spent the last six months attempting to generate interest, the city club have managed to establish a regular core of women at their weekly training sessions.
Now, they are looking to take it on to the next level and with a coach having been appointed, as well as a first-team captain, Craig Dunain’s women leave today in preparation for the Mull 7s event tomorrow.
"It’s just really taken off in the past six months," said team secretary Sam Hourston. "From just generating interest, we regularly have between 10 and 12 women, ranging from 18 upwards in age, coming along to training.
"They are being coached by Alan Coyne, who has been a real driving force behind it all.
"Last week, the club had its annual general meeting where Ruth Watts was appointed as captain and Katie Winter the vice captain.
"The women have all been training hard since November and going to play at Mull is the next step for them.
"It is all very encouraging and hopefully the progress that has been made so far will continue."
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that the new Craig Dunain women’s team will have a Scottish international amongst their ranks in Mull.
Inverness-born Jade Konkel, whose mother played for the first female team at the club, while her father and two brothers turn out for the men’s side, is going to make a guest appearance at tomorrow’s tournament.
Any women interested in finding out more information can e-mail invernesscraigdunainrfc@hotmail.com, search for the club on Facebook, or find them on Twitter @ICDRFC.
