A RECRUITMENT drive to attract more women referees into rugby has produced an eight per cent increase in new female match officials across the Midlands.

The joint initiative between the Rugby Football Union and Rug-by Football Union for Women was launched earlier this season with funding from the RFU's Volunteer toolkit.

So far, 193 new women referees nationally have completed the Foundation training course.

In the Midlands, the breakdown of the female newcomers is five in Warwickshire, four in East Midlands and two each in North Midlands and Stafford-shire.

The new match officials are now gaining experience by taking charge of both men's and women's matches at adult and youth levels.

"We are delighted with the results," said David Rose, Rugby Referee Development Officer for the Midlands. "The response both locally and nationally has been very encouraging."

Anyone interested in becoming a rugby referee should contact David on 07702 626266 or their local Referees' Society details.