North Midlands Rugby Football Union Limited

Female Higher Education students from the West Midlands are being given the chance to learn the skills of tackling and handling from England's top female international rugby players this month.

Students from the area have been invited to an introductory session on October 21st at Birmingham University where they will be coached by England stars Kat Merchant, Sarah Guest, Sarah Hunter and Dani Knight as well as RFU England Counties player Hugh Thomas and England A Women coaches Andy Paton and Matthew Ferguson. England are the reigning RBS 6 Nations and Nations Cup champions and will host the IRB Women's Rugby World Cup in August and September next year.

Andy Paton, RFUW Coa ch & Club Officer, said: "Women's sections at universities recruit a wide range of playing abilities at Fresher's fairs. What we want to do through this programme is show them how they can play safely by learning tackling and handling skills. This introductory session is aimed at players of all levels whether brand new to the game or the more experienced players who have been in the HE system for a couple of years.

"Having position specific coaching clinics with current England players and coaches in small groups will allow everyone to receive some personal coaching which will help to develop both individual core skills as well as developing sustainable women's team at the universities in the West Midlands."