Talks are ongoing about a new end-of-season rugby competition for women.

The plan is to introduce a cup competition which would be run along similar lines to the men’s Combination cups, which have been a big part of the rugby calendar for many years.

It is hoped that the inaugural competition will take place this season with Cheltenham and District Combination chairman Gethin Evans, a big supporter of the plans, saying: “It would help to grow the women’s game.

“A lot of clubs have started girls’ and adult teams and a local cup competition would give them the chance to have meaningful games without having to travel too far.”

Evans said that ideally there would be eight teams in the competition, which would mean seven games – four quarter-finals, two semi-finals and a final.

“It wouldn’t be just for clubs in the Cheltenham Combination, it would be for clubs from other Combinations as well – Gloucester, Stroud and the Forest of Dean,” he said.

“It would be for community teams. Cheltenham’s 1sts would be way too good, they play at national level, but their 2nds could definitely play in it.”

Clubs such as Cheltenham North and Dursley run thriving women’s sections and Evans is hopeful that the new competition will be in place this season with a final decision likely to be taken early next month.

Evans said that there was no name for the competition as yet – “Maybe the Ladies’ Combination Cup,” he said – but he added that if all goes to plan the final will be held at the Prince of Wales Stadium, home of Smiths, on Saturday 27^th April.