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Barnstaple RFC Celebrates Unique Challenge in Growing Girls' Rugby: The Cartwheel Phenomenon
BARNSTAPLE, DEVON - May 14, 2025 - Coaches at Barnstaple Rugby Football Club have identified an unexpected challenge in their thriving Under-12 girls' rugby program that's bringing smiles to training sessions across the region: spontaneous outbreaks of cartwheels.
What began as a new team formed by enthusiastic parents has quickly grown into a successful program with large numbers of girls training regularly. However, coaches soon discovered that standard rugby challenges were overshadowed by an unanticipated phenomenon - the irresistible urge for players to break into cartwheels during brief moments of downtime.
"When we started the U12 girls' team, we had certain preconceptions," says a team coach. "We thought they might be less selfish with the ball than boys, which has proven true, or that they might struggle with contact, which hasn't been the case at all. What we didn't anticipate was the concerted problem of cartwheels."
The coaches initially misdiagnosed the behavior as simple distraction, implementing structure changes and recruiting additional coaches. It wasn't until comparing notes with other girls' rugby teams that they realized they were facing a widespread phenomenon across girls' rugby.
"The joyous fun of cartwheeling seems to be an infectious and irresistible practice amongst girls," the coach explains. "It's impossible to be cross when witnessing a group of glorious cartwheelers."
Different coaching teams have developed various approaches to the cartwheel situation. Some designate specific "cartwheeling times" during practice, while others have implemented creative solutions, such as one coach who allows cartwheels only after a player scores a try - resulting in "the entire team of girls performing synchronous cartwheels all the way back to the half way line."
Despite the initial challenge, Barnstaple RFC coaches have embraced this unique aspect of girls' rugby. "Rugby's cartwheeling problem is one of the few problems you will ever have in life that will also bring you joy," the coach reflects. "I am not convinced, in my heart of hearts, that I really want this problem to go away."
The Barnstaple RFC U12 girls' team continues to grow in both numbers and skill, with coaches finding as much joy in the spontaneous gymnastics as in the rugby itself.
About Barnstaple RFC
Barnstaple Rugby Football Club is committed to developing rugby at all levels and promoting inclusivity in the sport. The club offers programs for various age groups and actively encourages girls' participation in rugby.
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