Former England captain puts on training session for Eltham-based girls rugby club

The rugby season for 20 girls drawn from a dozen primary schools in South-East London kicked-off with a visit from a former England captain.

Maxine Edwards MBE, the first woman to captain England at Twickenham and winner of 45 caps, joined the girls on the playing fields at Eltham College on Sunday.

A whole club two-minute silence in tribute to the Queen preceded the training session.

Edwards, who lives in Bromley, then shared her experience of meeting the Queen when receiving an MBE in 2010.

The girls were put through their paces, with a warm-up session followed by a series of fun games.

In honour of the original Foxbury fields that the Old Elthamians Rugby Club played on, the team set-up last season has been named the Foxes.

Foxes head coach Nick Linford said: “It was so inspiring for the girls to meet Maxine and hear from a rugby legend. The first of our weekly training sessions, ahead of our competitive matches next month at the Foxbury Festival, was so much fun and a brilliant way to start the season.”

Foxes already have 20 players but are keen to encourage more girls from years two, three and four to join.

Anyone wanting more information can contact Linford on 07899 798270.