Vagabonds have played sevens and 10s tournaments in England before

Isle of Man's only women's rugby team Vagabonds are to join the Rugby Football Union's league structure 10 years after forming.

The team, who have trained solidly for 50 weeks a year despite having no opponents on the island, have been placed in North West Division Two.

Coach Darrin Cooke told BBC Isle of Man: "It is a bit of a coup.

"The girls were assessed and considered of a high enough level to go straight into the division."

He continued: "The most games we've ever played in one year was five. Usually we only played one or two games a year but the team still trained hard and their work has paid off.

"This season, we're looking forward to seven sides visiting us plus seven away games. With the promise of regular fixtures, it's encouraging other women to join us.

"Currently we have 25 registered players but we're always open to newcomers."