BRAINTREE Rugby Club's Girls were put through their paces at a special Girls Rugby Club.

The company is run by England World Cup player Rachael Burford, going into clubs and offering coaching girls and a shadowing opportunity to coaches.

Braintree's players, along with girls from other clubs from Essex and Hertfordshire, were made to work hard at the event.

The coaching was led by former Wasps player Vicky Alexander, a level 3 coach who is currently coaching Petersfield RFC men.

She has has also coached Surrey County Ladies, under-18s and under-15s and was part of the coaching team with Premier club Richmond.

Alongside her, the girls had the pleasure of being coached by Saracens and England Marlie Packer, who many of the girls had watched play against Harlequins the previous weekend.

Packer was part of the 2014 Women's Rugby World Cup squad.

Unfortunately, Burford was unable to attend herself due an injury in the game the previous weekend which has resulted in knee surgery.

The girls knew they had a tough day ahead of them, in the gruelling heat during the morning, followed by rain in the afternoon making the pitch slippery.

At the end of the day they were exhausted but relished the experience they were able to partake in.

Braintree RC have been recruiting girls over the past two years and now have more than 34 at three age groups.

They run three girls' teams - Under 13s, Under 15s and Under 18s, and always welcome new players with or without experience.

To find our more, email TryBraintreeRugby@gmail. com