A new structure will see teams from Hastings Valley, Port Macquarie, Kempsey, Bowraville, Coffs Harbour and Southern Cross University play four 10-minute quarters in the Mid North Coast competition.

NSW Waratahs development officer Lisa Vogel said it was exciting to see the popularity of women’s and girls rugby continue to skyrocket.

“Women’s rugby is coming along in leaps and bounds and a lot of women on the Mid North Coast were desperate for time on the rugby field,” she said.

Previously, only a sevens format was available which saw a lot of players leave the sport to go and play different codes.

The change from a 14-minute to a 40-minute format coincided with another burst of players returning to rugby.

“With sevens rugby you only had 14 minutes on the field which meant you were restricted with numbers because it is 12 players per team,” Vogel said.

“You also only have so long to sub players.

“But playing 10-minute quarters means the girls have 40 minutes of rugby to play and it’s a great opportunity to learn the game.”

The women’s games will kick off before reserve grade during the upcoming Mid North Coast rugby season which starts on April 6.

Meanwhile, the Mid North Coast Tomahawks will run the first of three selection trial days this Saturday at Stuart Park between 11am and 3pm.

“It will be held for the under-15 and under-17 girls and open women’s Tomahawks team for the country championships,” Vogel said.

“It is good to let the women know that rugby is available as a sport to play.”