ALTHOUGH a Wigan Warriors fan, I must admit rugby isn't the first sport I would have thought of playing.

After all I'm supposed to be a 21-year-old "lady" who took ballet lessons until I was 15.

But when I came to university in 2001 I thought I'd give it a go. Since then I've played rugby union for the Central Lancashire University team and then for Preston Grasshoppers after a women's team was set up by Shirley Faragher last season.

I've loved every minute of it and would recommend it to any woman that getting covered in mud and being thrown all over a field is an excellent way to keep fit!

Preston Grasshoppers women's kicked off the season by taking on top team Vale of Lune. Although we didn't win, the game bonded a team made up of women whose ages ranged from 16 to 35.

Since then we have had some great games and more women have joined over the year. There are moments when standing in the middle of a field, covered in mud with someone twice my size charging towards me, when I think ballet may have been a better option! But the adrenaline and the team spirit involved makes it all worth it. I'm not quite sure what the men at Hoppers think about a group of rowdy women taking over the club, but then it doesn't really matter.

And we can give as good as we get in the after match drinking races as well as on the pitch!

I'm not saying rugby doesn't come with its risks -- most weeks I leave the pitch bruised and exhausted.

But for anyone who fancies a new challenge, isn't worried about breaking a nail and wants to get in shape then rugby is the game for you.

Next season the team is hoping to join the North West Third Division.

Then who knows, maybe the England squad coach will be ringing up after that!

If you are interested in joining the Preston Grasshoppers women's team or would like to sponsor them call 01772 863546.