The initiative came from RCL men’s and national teach coach Scott Browne who, when he moved to Luxembourg 18 months ago, “saw that Ladies rugby didn’t have the same exposure as perhaps other countries and saw it as an opportunity to try to entice young ladies into sport in Luxembourg,” player Aoife Sheehan told Delano.

Browne is joined by two other coaches: Izak Saayman and James Kent to lead Monday night non-contact training sessions where women can learn basic skills and coordination.

A 40-year heritage

Rugby was first brought to Luxembourg through RCL, which was founded in 1973 by members of the international community. In the intervening 40 years, the club has created a solid development programme, offering rugby to anyone from under-5s to veterans.

The RCL women’s club may not be the first women’s club in the country—Walferdange Walfettes last year celebrated its tenth anniversary. But the ever-growing international community means there appears to be no shortage of willing players.

Sheehan is evidence of that. After moving from Ireland to Luxembourg where she knew no-one, she says she made a lot of friends through joining RCL. “It’s an amazing family community with everyone always looking out for each other. Rugby is so diverse there is a position for everyone on the pitch no matter what the background,” she said.

She says that the sport helps players to constantly learn and offers an all-year-round sport, with leagues running from September to June and then 7s tournaments all around Europe over the summer.

She said: “It doesn’t matter what level you have played or whether you have never played any sport before, this is a great opportunity to learn/develop rugby in Luxembourg and give the boys a run for their money.”

The new women’s section trains on Monday evenings at Boy Konen Stadium, Luxembourg-Cessange, from 7:30pm to 9pm.