A ladies’ team has been established in Launceston since 2008, when an ambitious group of women - including current vice captain Amy ‘Podge’ Warman - came together to make it happen. However, due to a number of constraints, the venture was unsuccessful and the group fizzled out.

In 2019, the ladies started anew, led by staunch supporter Martyn Sandercock and retired captain Vicki Doidge. It was a fresh start in every sense, with the majority of new team members never having even touched a rugby ball, let alone grasping the many nuances of rugby law.

Since 2023, the team have been under the guidance of former Exeter Chiefs player Jimmy Tucker, assisted by their much-loved team mate-come coach, Alex Hutchings. Together, they have led the team to two successive league promotions and with 40 talented players now on board, they have made history as the highest ranking women’s team in Cornwall, as well as being the first Cornish women’s team to be promoted to the Championship.

Aside from the stellar support given to them from both inside Launceston Rugby Club plus the community - which is known for its love of rugby - one of the most important parts of the team is their sense of sportsmanship and friendship.

Team member Megan Arnold said: “There have been uncountable memories along the way, including debut tries, game saving tackles, many a rowdy bus journey, the odd black eye and endless amounts of laughter.

“The team is more than just a team. We have a saying: ‘one in, all in’, which summarises our spirit. There is a huge variety of women of all ages and backgrounds who are all bonded by their love of egg chasing and it is hard to describe to someone who has never played, the sense of belonging you will feel as part of a rugby team.”

Always open to new or returning players, the team have encouraged those who have never even touched a rugby ball to flourish to captain of the Cornwall County Rugby Team.

But how does the best women’s team in Cornwall prepare for a game? Every player is different, with some blaring music to get themselves in the right frame of mind, and others sitting calmly in the corner of the changing room, waiting for the signal to step out onto the pitch. Some may set themselves simple goals, whilst for others, pre-match nerves are non-existent.

And afterwards? A well-deserved post-match bath hits the spot for a lot of players after a day in the Polson mud, but for away games a non-negotiable party bus home gets their spirits high - whether they have won or lost.

2025 was a great success for the team, having been put up against some tough competition to carve out league promotion for a second year, as well as winning the Cornwall Cup once again, earning themselves the title of the highest ever ranked Cornish women’s team.

All the players bring something to the pitch in their own right, but some star players to note are Captain Kim Upcott, who ‘always leads by example, dragging several opposition with her over the try line’; Meg Tucker and Abby Smith, whose dedication and strong performances are always discussed in the changing rooms and amongst the audience after a match. However, this season Jess Harrison has been recognised as one to watch, having flourished as part of the team. Despite never having played rugby until the end of last season, Jess is now a regular starting player and ‘a force to be reckoned with on the pitch’.

The team is always keen to welcome new players, whether it’s fresh talent or an old hand making their return to the pitch after some time away from the sport. Similarly, they encourage all women to get out there and go after their passion - whether it’s a sport, hobby or new skill.

Megan added: “Our message is to just do it. Message your local team, go to that first training session. You’re not too old, too unfit or not going to fit in. There is a place for all in rugby. To end on some words of former coach Martyn Sandercock, ‘There will be a time, hopefully many years from now, when you look back on this time with this team and remember them as the best years of your life!’”

Launceston Ladies Rugby Team train every Tuesday from 6.45pm-8.30pm and are always welcoming new players. If you’d like to give rugby a go, please message Megan on 07503727298.