A RUGBY World Cup player made a special visit to Mistley to coach a girls' club for the day.

Rachael Burford, an English rugby union player who represented the county at various Women's Rugby World Cups, came to the area to coach Mistley Girls' Rugby Club last Sunday.

Mistley girls from the ages of seven to 18 years old - and some players for the Mistley women's team - enjoyed the elite training by Rachael who was awarded the Rugby Players' Association England women's player title of the year in 2014.

Claire Martin, head of the Girls' and Women's Rugby at Mistley RUFC, said: "The girls from Harwich and Dovercourt RUFC joined in for the training, showing just how strong and inclusive the rugby community really is.

"It was also a momentous day for Mistley Girls' Rugby, as they strutted out in their new first ever official kit, looking very much like English roses themselves.

"The first official sponsor was Red Knight 6 Ltd, who are distributors of world leading crushers, screeners, recycling and agricultural equipment.

"A very significant and relevant sponsor who’s own company values are, movement, strength, energy - very apt and fitting for rugby.

"Mistley Girls' and Women's Rugby teams are always looking for new players and would welcome all girls and ladies from age six years old and upwards."