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South Molton Rugby club Girls Section

An outlined panther hovering in the sky with spotlights swirling around

THE 
PANTHERS

Independent Website for the South Molton Rugby Club Girls Section located in North Devon
The is a supporters site created to aid and promote girls rugby and not an official club site

Girls with medals pose after a successful season

U10s

Fun, Friends & Teamwork!
Rugby is all about having fun, making new friends, and learning exciting new skills. Whether you're fast, strong, or just love to play, everyone is welcome. Come along, have a go and discover how much fun rugby can be.

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Girls mess around in a team photo., One is being carried

U12s

Build Confidence, Have Fun!
Rugby is a fantastic way to stay active, make great friends and grow in confidence. You'll learn teamwork and develop new skills while having fun. No experience needed.

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Girls after a muddy game arm in arm

U14s

Rugby is a sport where everyone has a place. Try something new and develop your sporting skills. You will find a supportive team, exciting matches and plenty of opportunities grow in confidence, fitness, and make new friends.

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Smiling girls posing as a team after a game

U16s

Strong Together.
Rugby offers resilience, teamwork, leadership, and lifelong friendships. Whether you're completely new or have played before you will be welcomed into a supportive environment where you can challenge yourself, have fun, and be part of something special.

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"It gave me the confidence to not be afraid of the ball and score a try, I made some wonderful friends, and my coaches are super friendly and helpful, the aim is to keep trying. It's OK to be nervous and make a mistake, no one is mean on the team."

Players words

The Panthers are a fantastic bunch of girls coached by passionate people. I really love how my daughter has embraced rugby this year, learned loads about playing rugby and made new friends. Thank you SMRFC

Parent

My daughter struggled with shyness and anxiety before joining the team. She has found so much confidence and passion for the sport from being part of such an amazing team, Hisham and Claire are so supportive and positive she looks forward to training and matches every week. 

Parent

Coaches vision

We believe girls rugby is about having the most fun, being the best team they can be and making lifelong friendships in a safe, positive and encouraging environment

Lead Coach

Claire Newell

Two historical team photos from Claire's rugby career.

What I love about rugby is that it’s so much more than a sport. It’s about being part of a team, building friendships that last a lifetime, and learning the values of discipline, respect, and good manners. It keeps you fit, teaches commitment, and shows you the importance of supporting others through both the highs and the lows. For me, rugby is about helping people grow in confidence, creating a sense of belonging, and being part of a community that feels like family.

Lead Coach

Hisham El-Marazki

Historical team photo of Hisham from his rugby career. He is colourised the rest is black and white

 My primary goal is for the girls to love rugby and love being part of a happy unified team. Once that happens, the rest comes easily. I put particular emphasis on teaching modern rugby techniques and strategy while encouraging players to go beyond their own expectations in a positive and confidence building way. On the journey, they will make friends, laugh a lot and create memories for life.

Coach

Grant Sheldon

Grant in suit standing on a rugby pitch at what looks like Twickenham

Rugby has given me lifelong friendships, confidence, resilience, and a true sense of belonging. Now, as a coach, I see those same values grow in young players every week. I love the laughter on training nights, match day excitement and shared celebration all while creating lasting memories, developing character, and creating opportunities for every child to thrive. Rugby friendships extend to family and rugby caters for all abilities and all shapes and sizes. 

Coaches Spotlight

Training and Events

Come along to the Open Day on 23rd August and see what girls rugby is all about @SMRFC

Details of the open day event on 23rd August 2026 at 11am at the club

Training Sundays at 10am (when no matches) and Wed 6pm. Get in touch for more details

A panther outline in team. The face and paws are visible
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