COFFS Harbour has hosted schools from across the Mid North Coast as they took part in an all-girls ten-a-side Rugby Gala Day at Bishop Druitt College.

Over 100 girls from schools as far south as Gloucester and as north as Grafton played off in the Rugby Gala Day.

St John Paul College Coffs Harbour won the under 14s division going through undefeated and winning a close final against Coffs Harbour High School.

Hosts Bishop Druitt College won the under 16s division going through the day undefeated.

St John Paul College Coffs Harbour under 14s boys won their division during a boys Rugby Gala Day at Coffs Rugby Park.

St John Paul College Coffs Harbour Leader of Sport Danielle McAra said the school’s rugby union teams had improved thanks to some visiting guidance.

“We’ve had a development officer from NSW Rugby Union come and work with our Year 7s and 8s, and we’re seeing the result of that,” she said.

“They have improved a lot as we had some students who had never played before.

“It’s phenomenal what the girl’s team did as only two of them play on the weekends.

“We have lots of enthusiastic students that just want to play, and really keen staff that have put their hands up to coach.”

In order to increase female participation and playing opportunities, Mid North Coast Rugby are working together with NSW Rugby Waratahs to come up with a schools-based competition for girls that will be regular, progressive, and played over Term 2 and Term 3, with a points table and winners at the completion.

By Aiden BURGESS