FOUR members of an up and coming women's rugby team have moved a step closer to playing for their country.

The players, all from Ripon Ladies RUFC, have been selected for the Northern regional side - a tried and tested route to the England squad.

The Ripon team, who are chasing promotion to the national Premier League this season, have already seen their centre pairing of Sam Spence and Caroline Bell step up to the England national academy.

Hot on their heels are back row duo Katie Bell and Mia Heaton, who will be playing in the regional squad alongside their Ripon Ladies team-mates Katie Denver and Elaine Entwhistle, both second row players.

Despite securing a permanent home at Grange Park in Wetherby, the regional side is having to play in borrowed kit due to a lack of funds.

Katie Bell said: "The kit we were given is about four years old and it has shrunk - the props just can't get into it. We are having to use a kit from Leodiensians of Leeds which is not ideal, but at least it is better than playing in our sports bras."

Anyone interested in sponsoring the regional side should contact team manager Michelle Wells on 0113 2587917.