The first ever training session of the team took place on a summer’s evening in August 2024, when a group of women tentatively turned up to the pitch at Wadebridge Rugby Club, on hearing about the formation of a new women’s rugby team in the town. While girls could play alongside boys in the under-12s, and with a junior girls’ team already established, Wadebridge was missing that vital link into women’s senior rugby.

That gap was spotted - and filled - by captain Gemma Vernon, whose vision was to create a clear pathway for girls moving up from the juniors, as well as creating a welcoming space for women of any experience to pull on a Camels shirt and feel part of it.

After that first training session in August, the squad officially launched in September. Any uncertainty about whether there would be enough interest locally was quickly put to rest; Wadebridge showed up - and then some. With the success of the England women’s team in the rugby world cup in 2025, the team only grew more.

The team wasted no time making their mark. November 2024 saw the ladies gather at home for a friendly against Plymouth Albion Ladies, where nerves, anticipation and excitement were ‘off the scale’. But with plenty of familiar faces from Wadebridge’s men’s teams, family, friends and avid rugby supporters in the crowd, the girls got their heads down and came away from the pitch with an outstanding 24-5 win.

Player Rosie reminisced: “Moments like that remind us why women’s sport matters. Every time women step onto a pitch - even in small, local places - it moves things forward in a big way. Being able to inspire women and girls in our community has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.”

In March 2025, they made a competitive debut at the Allianz Inner Warrior Festival, recording two wins and a draw. That success rolled straight into the Women’s Cornwall Cup at Penryn RFC, where the Camels finished runners-up in the Inner Warrior Shield. Into the 2025/26 season, the squad is stepping up to full-contact rugby and formally entering the Inner Warrior League, determined to keep growing, competing, and making Wadebridge proud.

Under the guidance of coach Mike Rawlings, the squad has quickly embraced the Camels’ ethos and developed an exciting, fast-paced style of rugby. Even contact has become something that the women have fully embraced, with one player describing it as ‘a mud-life crisis’.

So how do the ladies unwind before stepping onto the pitch? Many decide to switch off and listen to music, while others get their hair plaited or fuel up on food; once warm-ups begin, each player gets their head in the game. Afterwards, the ladies flock into the clubhouse for a postmatch meal and drink, chatting away to one another and the players on the opposing teams - a great way to relax and reflect after a physical game. An occasional swim, jacuzzi, sauna and steam session at The Olde House, followed by food at The Malsters, is a great way to debrief and ease bruises and sore muscles. The team has extended thanks to The Olde House, their sponsors, for the rest and recovery.

The team has been beneficial to everyone involved. Whether you’re completely new to the sport, are moving up from the juniors, or are picking up the ball after years away from the pitch, the Camels’ ladies support everyone.

One player, Charlotte – fondly known to the rest of the team as ‘Mother’ - explained: “At 52 years old, carrying too much weight with a chronic back injury, a challenging job that meant I chose work over friendships, and pining after my fit younger self, I was struggling. In August 2024, Rachel and I went to the first Wadebridge session.

“Slowly, I craved the adrenaline and fun of Monday nights, so then I started wanting more. I went to the gym, started losing weight; suddenly I was doing some tackling and then bam - first match!

“In what other sport do you have women ranging from 18-53, from all social and economical backgrounds, competing together, standing in a shower in our undies, looking out for each other on and off the pitch? We are awesome!”

Diversity and inclusivity are at the heart of the squad, and rugby is a sport that embraces this fully. With women’s sport being amplified in mainstream sports media today, community clubs are beginning to see the benefits, with more girls and women stepping forward to try something new and put themselves out there.

Another player, Gem, added: “Whatever your age, background, or reason for wanting to try — take the leap. You’ll gain confidence, friendships, strength, and a sense of belonging you didn’t know you were missing.“Women belong in sport. And there’s no better time to start than now.”

The ladies train on Monday nights at Wadebridge Rugby Club, 7pm-8.30pm. See Wadebridge Camels Women’s Rugby on Facebook or Instagram to follow their journey or to find out about joining.

All images by Adrian Langdon.