"Try Love Rugby" Programme Boosts Girls’ Rugby at East Dorset Dockers

The RFU’s "Try Love Rugby" programme has had a fantastic impact at East Dorset Dockers, welcoming 15 new girls to the club over a four-week period. The programme is designed to introduce girls to rugby in a fun, non-contact, girls-only environment, focusing on enjoyment, confidence, and inclusion rather than competition.

Each weekly session offered a mix of simple rugby skills, fun games, and teamwork-based activities, helping the girls build confidence while learning the basics of the game. The sessions were open to complete beginners and existing players, making it easy for friends to join together and try something new.

Parents quickly saw the benefits. One shared: “As a parent of an existing club member, it’s been fantastic to see the impact of the girls-only sessions. The fantastic coaches ran sessions that boosted confidence, encouraged teamwork, and helped the girls build skills and friendships that hopefully will see them have new teammates too!”

Fun and engagement were at the heart of every session. Carla, one of the coaches involved explained: “One of the girls’ favourite games was ‘Raid the Nest,’ where the girls raced to grab a ball from the middle and return it to their cone. All the girls had smiles on their faces and were fully engaged.”

Reflecting as both a coach and a parent, she added: “As a mum to Evie, I loved seeing her have fun and engage with girls she didn’t know. She said the sessions were fun and challenging, and she was happy her friend could join her and that she made new friends.”

With strong coaching support, plenty of laughter, and a welcoming atmosphere, the "Try Love Rugby" programme has proven to be a brilliant way to grow the girls’ game at East Dorset Dockers- both on and off the pitch.