RUGBY fever is sweeping across Darlington with scores of youngsters taking part in a Spirit of Rugby project.

A volunteer group has formed in the town as part of a collaboration between England Rugby and Spirit of 2012 to deliver the project which aims to involve groups of young people aged 16-24 not traditionally engaged in rugby

The Darlington project is focussed on women and girls’ engagement and is working in partnership with Healthy Darlington.

Michael Hawkes, Spirit of Rugby project coordinator covering the Darlington area, said: “I am looking forward to the Darlington project gathering pace and helping spread the word that rugby can be enjoyed by all abilities and backgrounds.”

As well as Darlington, there are similar projects taking place in 14 different communities across England.