ROUGHYEDS are holding an open day this Saturday at Melrose Playing Fields as the club aims to revive its women’s team, writes Kasey Smith.

The club is appealing for women and girls to come along if they are interested in playing for the club with two sessions one for under-16s and one for the open age side taking place.

Work has been underway in order to develop a pathway for women’s and girls rugby in Oldham since the previous women’s team was put on hold, citing a lack of infrastructure.

Since then, the club have employed former England International Beth Sutcliffe to head up the development programme.

Sutcliffe, who played in four world cups from 2003 to 2017, has been working in conjunction with schools and amateur clubs to create a clear route for girls in Oldham towards the top of the game.

Back in April, a £15,000 grant was secured to bolster the club’s efforts in establishing teams from under-12s onwards.

“We want children and both genders for play for Oldham rugby,” said managing director Mike Ford.

“It is my job to give them the best pathway to do that. It takes loads of hard work behind the scenes – it doesn’t just happen but we are doing it.”

An under-16s session at Melrose on Fields New Road in Chadderton will run from 10am til 12pm while the open age session will follow at 1 til 3pm.

Anybody interested in coming along is encouraged to contact Joe Warburton on 07882 848340 or email joewarby9@aol.com to confirm your attendance.