The Kyogle Cockies Rugby Club has a women’s team and they are proving just how good they are in their first season.

Women’s head coach Andrew Northfield said the club had been going since 1987. But it had never had a women’s team.

Until now.

“It came from the suggestion of women and we said we’ll take them on with open arms,” Mr Northfield said.

In the Far North Coast there are seven women’s rugby teams, he said.

“There is more support and sponsorship interest in women’s teams now.”

Rugby union rules for women are the same as for men, except the women’s teams are 10-aside while men’s are 15-aside. This is because there are less women players but as female participation grows, the zone will move to a full 15-aside competition.

The games are full contact for women players.

Mr Northfield said the Kyogle Women’s team was top of the ladder. There are 12 rounds with eight more games to play this season.

“I’m over the moon with how they’re playing,” he said.

Out of the team, only two have played union before.

“The best part of rugby is that there is a place on the field for every body shape and fitness level,” Mr Northfield said.

He urged locals to come to Don Gulley Oval in Kyogle for home games and cheer on the women’s team.

Or buy a raffle ticket on the first Friday of the month at the Kyogle Bowling Club.

Like all sports teams, sponsors are crucial.

Mr Northfield acknowledged Barker Ryan Stewart Surveyors, Casino Golf Club, Cherry Street Sports, Edmonds Conveyancing, Grahams Precast and McKid Medical Centre.

Come to the Ladies Day at Don Gulley Oval on June 14 at 2pm.

Follow Kyogle Cockies Rugby Union Club on Facebook here.

This article appeared on indyNR.com on 22 May 2025.