SOUTHEND Rugby Club’s ladies side are starting to shine.

The team were first put together last May.

And coach Glen Cripps has been incredibly impressed by the improvements being made.

“The progression has been phenomenal and I’m shocked in the best possible way,” said Cripps.

“Ninety five per cent of the group hadn’t played rugby before coming here and now they’ve playing the full contact version of the game.

“I’ve coached kids for years but I’ve never seen a progression like this and it’s been great.”

Cripps came up with the idea to start a ladies side while watching a match last season.

The group started by playing tag rugby and the numbers have continued to grow.

“We train every Monday and the numbers vary between 14 and 26 which we’re pleased with,” said Cripps.

“We’ve also played our first friendly against Bishop’s Stortford.

“We lost but they stood their ground and did really well. It was very encouraging and we’re looking at the possibility of entering the league now. But the social side of the team is great as well.”

And Julia Cripps - who manages the team alongside Joe Stanton - has also been delighted to see more female players getting involved in rugby.

“I think it’s great,” said Cripps.

“It’s a different sport which mums don’t normally do. It doesn’t matter what age you are or what size you are because they need everybody. “

And coach Gerard Boston also feels it is great for the club.

“It’s awesome and I think it finishes off the club now and makes it a complete family,” he said.

The team train at Warners Bridge every Monday at 7pm.