By Robert Haile

Women’s and Girls Rugby Union continues to grow in Cumbria as several players have been selected for the North East And Cumbria Centre of Excellence squad.

The 39 player North East And Cumbria Centre of Excellence (NEC) squad is made up of under 18s from Cumbria, Durham and Northumberland and they will play four games against Sale Sharks, Yorkshire and Loughborough Lighting.

Penrith lead the way for the Cumbrian sides with 8 players selected while Kendal and Kirkby Lonsdale had one representative each.

In a post on social media a representative for Kirkby Lonsdale congratulated the pair from Kendal and Kirkby commending their dedication, that of their parents and the other clubs that make up the Tigers side they play for.

The NEC have successfully guided some of the players to England honours with Anna Richardson and Emma Gerrard both part of the England Under 18s side that took their place in the 6 Nations Festival in April.

The current sides first fixture takes places at Whitley Bays’ Rockcliffe RFC where the NEC side will face Sale Sharks Under 18s on Sunday, November 12.