A HEREFORDSHIRE teenager is making waves as a girls rugby player at Worcester Warriors.

Anna Stowell is to make the step up to under-18 level next season following a successful stint for the under-15s.

The Weobley High School pupil has already been selected to play for North Midlands, as well as attending trials for the Midlands division of the Rugby Football Union.

Her team also had a great run in the national cup, playing teams from Tamworth, Trentham, Leek, Newark, Tynedale, Manchester and Ellesmere Port, resulting in them finishing runners-up to Winscombe in the national finals.

Anna's father, Mark Stowell, said she was the only girl playing mixed rugby at Luctonians in 2014, so his family started to look for other options in order for her to continue to play.

"We made contact with Worcester, who were very welcoming and were the only fully functioning girls rugby set up within travelling distance of Weobley," he said.

"Worcester were amazingly welcoming and Anna was invited to a series of taster sessions which were held in the Worcester Warriors indoor training facility and so began Annas journey.

"Since 2014, Anna has played many times for the under-15’s ladies team and become an important team member able to play at wing, centre and fly half.

"In 2015, Anna was joined at the club by another talented young lady called Jade Hudson.

"Jade is a pupil at Bishop's School and was the second Herefordshire based girl to join the club.

"Jade has regularly played scrum half for Worcester and the North Midlands.

"Worcester offer a great opportunity for aspiring female players and the development pathway is very clear.

"Anna moves up to the under-18’s next season and I will be taking over as the head coach with the under 15’s.

"Worcester have successfully developed a full under 13’s squad that have had a great season and boasts over 15 players, however it is crucial to keep the flow of new players at all age levels into the club.

"I have recruited two girls from Luctonians under-11’s and two from local primary schools who will be joining our under 13’s next season.

"The door is open and we are eager to attract more young ladies from Herefordshire and give them the opportunity that Anna has had."