GIRLS from Letchworth, Hitchin and Stevenage Town are helping to kick-off England Women s Six Nations campaign. All three clubs are providing youngsters to be at England Women s opening Six Nations clash against Wales at Old Albanians this Saturday. They

GIRLS from Letchworth, Hitchin and Stevenage Town are helping to kick-off England Women's Six Nations campaign.

All three clubs are providing youngsters to be at England Women's opening Six Nations clash against Wales at Old Albanians this Saturday.

They will take part in an under-14s curtain-raiser game ahead of the 5.30pm kick-off.

Girls' rugby in Hertfordshire has gone from strength to strength in recent years and the display just before England's Welsh encounter will highlight the progress the youngsters have made.

Most of the Letchworth girls are in their first season of rugby but several have already played for the county.

And after last weekend's regional trials, the club are confident of at least matching last year's performance when four Letchworth girls made the East Region under-14 squad.

On Saturday, the girls will join with players from across the county to play in a demonstration game in front of the cream of English women's rugby and the Sky television cameras.

As well as Hitchin and Stevenage, other clubs providing players include Fullerians, Welwyn, Hertford, Old Albanians, Cheshunt, Saracens Amateurs and Bishop's Stortford.

The head coach and organiser of the day is also from Letchworth.

Rachel Ansbro joined the club at the end of last season when she took over the coaching of the under-14s and this season, along with Saracens coach Simon Shutler, has been responsible for the county coaching at under-14 level.

Amanda Bate, girls' rugby development officer for Hertfordshire with the Herts Sports Partnership, said: "Girls' rugby has really taken off in the county over the last two seasons and the opportunity to play before the England Women's internationals can only highlight even further that Hertfordshire girls' rugby is definitely on the map."

Letchworth's under-17 girls will have their turn in the spotlight on March 18, when England conclude their Six Nations campaign against Ireland at the same venue.

Tickets for the games - the first full internationals to be played in Hertfordshire - can be bought on the gate and will cost £5 for adults and £2.50 for children.