Larkspur, Calif. – The Marin Highlanders have established the first girl’s rugby team in Marin County.

The girls team will be learning 7s during this summer alongside the members of the Marin Highlanders’ boys high school team and youth program. Among the first eight girls comprising the squad is Jenna Herz, 16, a sophomore at Redwood High School.  Her older brother, Alex, is a senior standout and vice-captain of the Highlanders boys team, and he began playing rugby in 7th grade.

“I really like the community aspect of the game,” said Jenna Herz. "I am looking forward to playing with my friends and building a girls program. I think people have a preconceived notion of what girl’s rugby looks like, we want to try and eliminate that stereotype and let the game speak for itself."

The Highlanders see the growth of college rugby, and the growth of varsity programs, and wanted to use that to atract more young women to the sport. The girls team will be coached by an experienced Highlanders coaching staff, including Lauren O’Connor, a former representative-side player for West Virginia and the Berkeley All Blues, as well as local realtor and Olympic Club player John Vantress, and Gordon Wright, who played for Redwood High School’s last national championship rugby team and represented the Pacific Coast in 7s twice.

“Ever since we established a youth rugby club in Marin in 2005, we have made it a stated goal to develop a girl’s side,” said Wright.  “It’s taken a long time, but the growth of the game and the dedication of this first group of athletes should allow the sport to take hold here in the county.”

The 7s season is just beginning in Marin, with practices starting now and running through the end of July – with tournaments scheduled throughout June and July.  The practices are oriented towards introductory players, and are open to Marin youths aged 8-18.  For practice times and locations, visit www.MarinHighlandersRugby.org