TO toughen up and to stop being so nice - that's the aim Worcester's Ladies this season.

And they're as determined to reach the top of English rugby as their male counterparts at Sixways.

"This will be our third season in the Premiership, and we're looking for a top three league finish and to reach the final of the National Cup," said vice-captain and flanker Jaine Lock.

"We finished fifth last season, which was creditable. But there were a number of games we lost purely because we weren't streetwise enough.

"We have the players, facilities and support to be the best team in the country; and we're all really excited about the new season," she said. "Richmond, Saracens and Clifton will be the teams we need to beat to reach the top."

Rugby may not be a pastime that appeals to all women, but the Ladies Section has grown considerably since they formation seven years ago and now boasts two senior teams and a junior section.

Lifestyles

While the first team plays in the Premiership, the second team is close on their heels, having just gained promotion to West Midlands Division Three, their second promotion in as many years.

There are 12 current women's internationals playing at Worcester, but they're keen to point out that their lifestyles are poles apart from the country's top male players.

"Four or five of us train together, and we're doing two sessions a day of fitness at the moment, so the time commitment's huge," said fly half Karen Andrew, an England A star.

"Some of us get a little bit of financial help from the National Lottery World Class Performance plan, but we all work as well.

"It can get a bit tough getting up at 6am to train, then putting in a day's work before heading off to training again at night," she says. "But, ultimately, it's worth it."

The first team's league campaign starts against Wasps at Sixways on Sunday, September 17, while the seconds travel to Earlsdon in the league a week later.