CHINNOR have launched a women’s team to help boost inclusivity at the club.

Oxfordshire Women head coach Fran Ronan will be in charge of the ladies’ side, with Karl Crockford installed as her assistant.

It is hoped the women’s team can build on the success of Chinnor’s Under 12 and 13 girls, who had a successful debut year in 2019/20.

At just 24, Ronan has already accumulated a wealth of experience, representing Northumberland at county level, as well as Oxford Brookes University and the Adjutant General’s Corps while she was an officer cadet.

She has recently been head coach at Oxford and held a coaching role with Oxford University.

Ronan said: “The club has an amazing community and I’ve never really felt quite a welcome as big as the one I got here.

“This club has put in a lot of work to move forward and grow, and it has the potential to be one of the biggest clubs in the country if it continues the way it is.

“It’s a very appealing environment for someone to play rugby, be part of the community, while still having those values around the sport and desire to develop.

“I’m so passionate about making sure people enjoy rugby because it’s a crazy sport.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Chinnor’s director of rugby Richard Thorpe is hoping the new venture leads to greater participation from women and girls.

He said: “It’s my personal ambition to see our senior women and senior men not only share the training field, but to share a matchday as well.

“Whilst our senior men’s team are role models for the rest of our community, the same goes for our senior women’s team, who will undoubtedly directly influence our girls teams.

“I have no doubt that in the years to come we will see more Oxfordshire ladies and girls pick up a rugby ball here at Kingsey Road.”

Prospective players of all abilities are encouraged to email women@chinnor-rfc.com