Watford Lionesses have been fundraising at MOD Pizza in Watford to get new training jackets, kits, substitutes’ coats and an event shelter.

The side is a new offshoot of Watford Rugby Club and are in their first year as a team.

With the profile of womens’ rugby growing, the team want to present themselves in as professional a manner as possible, with new equipment going a long way towards achieving that.

Under-13s coach Gary Heighway said: “The team have really formed a strong bond and get on like a house on fire. They’re going from strength to strength and player numbers have now grown to 15.

“All newcomers are welcomed by the girls with open arms. We have new players who have never played before, players with four years’ experience, but all are welcome in with respect, regardless of standard.”

Fiona Casey, WRFC youth chairwoman, added: “We are thrilled with this arrangement we now have with MOD. It’s been such a pleasure to see the girls team develop and grow.

“We have invested in our coaches Ian Griffiths and Gary Heighway who have both passed their RFU Level 2 coaching course this summer.

“Our goal is to have more girls playing rugby in other age groups and we’re working with local schools to achieve this goal.”