"At Leith Rugby Club we aim to provide inclusive rugby for all, regardless of any age, gender, cultural, racial, geographic, political and religious differences. This is at the heart of our club vision.

We were upset to hear of the issues that the Liberton Ladies team have been facing within their club and saddened that this goes on within our game. However we are delighted now to be working together with the team in the creation of a womens team at Leith.

Over the past 5 years we have be proud to watch the Leith Vixens team develop at U14 and U16 level and we believe that the next step would be in the creation of a Senior Womens team, we believe it to be positive for all involved now to have this pathway and allow more rugby to flourish in the Leith area.

We are now working together as one to ensure a smooth set up of a womens team and will be sure to announce some new exciting things in the next few months. In the meantime the women have started training at Leith on Tuesdays and Thursday nights so if you would like to get involved as a player, coach, official or sponsor within womens or men's rugby then get in touch today"

Club President Jim Smith added the following "We are delighted to announce the creation of a women's team at Leith today, it is something we have been looking into for a number of years as the Leith Vixens went from strength to strength.

Of course like the rest of the community we were shocked and upset to hear of the issues they have been facing but are now delighted to be welcoming the womens into the Leith family."

Jess Sandham, Captain, and Tayemar Fowler-Davis, Vice Captain also reacted to the news "In searching for a new home, our priority was first ensuring the team could continue developing as one. The friendships formed at Liberton will last a lifetime, so this was incredibly important to us.

What was also as important was finding a home where we would be welcomed and respected. We’ve always found Leith Rugby to be welcoming and inclusive when they’ve played our mens 1XV, and they’ve been incredibly encouraging and accepting of us.

Leith Rugby’s constitution reflects our values and is committed to the inclusiveness and accessibility of rugby to all. We admire the standard of rugby they play and are looking forward to growing with the club."

Training has now started at Leith on Tuesday and Thursday evening at 7.30pm, please get in contact with us if you would like to know more. If you would like to help the club in any other way then please email leithrfc@gmail.com.