One of the most interesting additions to the Enfield Ignatians’ youth section is the advent of a girls’ team, and two of its architects, Steve and Sinead Corcoran, whose daughters are committed squad members, have big plans for the Tigers, as they are also known.

Born at Easter last year and currently coached by Wendy Orme, the Enfield Tigers – despite a far from easy birth – have successfully branched out from their lair and have been more than holding their own against mixed teams including the likes of Cheshunt, Harrow, Chess Valley, Old Grammarians, Datchworth, Saracens, Chingford and Barnet Elizabethans.

Sinead said: “A lot of the girls, having had previous experience of the minis, clearly weren’t relishing the step-up to the older age groups when contact is the norm, particularly as they would be up against some rather bigger boys.

“Consequently, there was a real risk of losing them – some of them after just after a year in the game – and then that’s when we hit on the idea of a girls-only side playing just tag rugby.

“There is no shortage of counter-attractions, and individualistic ones such as ballet and Irish Dancing.

“It can, too, be difficult to break into some of the school netball teams so rugby is a good alternative.”

She added: “The most pleasing aspect from our viewpoint is how well the girls get on. The team ethos comes naturally to them – they share the work and all very aware of each other – and, when a player gets tagged, they are quick to support their teammate.

“Some of them are real naturals with regards to taking to tag.

“They’re fearless and particularly some of the younger ones, one of whom is a real ‘pocket rocket’.

“Through the good offices of our youth chairman, Harold Pritchard, we managed to recruit Wendy as coach and she has been on board since October.”

The long-term goal is to eventually field two full-teams and there are plans to stage a festival at the club.

On the challenge of increasing the Tigers’ appeal, Sinead said: “There is word of mouth naturally. However, being in the teaching profession, I’m in a contact with a lot of schools, and discussions are ongoing as regards recruitment. We’re also exploring sponsorship avenues.”

For those who are interested in joining the team, contact Sinead Corcoran by emailing her at sineadcorcoran@btinternet.com.