Rugby will get a completely new look from Saturday when Penybanc RFC fields a ladies team for the first time in the club’s long history.

The move marks the creation of the only women’s team currently operating anywhere in the Amman Valley and has been welcomed by club officials keen to promote the sport as widely as possible.

The new side, which will compete in the WRU Ladies Division Three South league, has already proved extremely popular.

“There has been a great turn out for training with an average of at least 18 players turning up for sessions,” said head coach Hywel Thomas.

“There is a great blend of players who have played before and some total rugby novices.

“We are all looking forward to what is sure to be a great journey through the next few months.”

With no women’s team operating in the Amman Valley during the recent years, players have been forced to travel as far as Seven Sisters or Whitland in order to play at a competitive level, but the creation of Penybanc Ladies is set to change that situation and Thomas the new club will prove a focal point for the women’s game in the area.

He already has high expectations for his new charges and is adamant the club will be no flash in the pan.

“Next year, the women’s World Cup place is being held in France and there will definitely be two or three Penybanc players in the mix when the Wales selectors meet to pick the squad in January,” he said.

Experienced skipper Gemma Davies is certainly one to look out for while another set to make a big impression will be Sophie Mangano, currently rated number 10 in the world’s strongest women rankings.

“I have always enjoyed training for strongest woman competitions, but I do enjoy team sports,” said Sophie.

“I am thoroughly enjoying playing rugby and I’m really looking forward to the season ahead.”

Penybanc chairman Ian Lloyd said: “The club has always had ambition to produce as many teams as possible at every level.

“The inclusion of a women’s team has been a great achievement for the club and we are all looking forward to supporting them on a Sunday afternoon.”

The team has attracted players from what are often seen as the more traditional women’s sport such as netball and hockey and hopes to continue to bolster its numbers as more and more players come forward.

Penybanc Ladies take on Kidwelly on Saturday, August 17, from 12.30 at Penybanc. Future games however will be played on Sunday afternoons.

The team is also looking for sponsorship - anyone interested should contact the team through their twitter page @PYBpanthers or by searching for Penybanc Ladies RFC.