Give Rugby League a try

There’s a new game in town, and you are being invited to give it a ‘try’! Rugby League is a branch of the sport that’s perhaps better known in the north of England, but there’s now a thriving scene here in the South West, and Tarka Storm have recently set up their home in South Molton.

Founder Neil Edwards is a 21 year veteran of the Army, sadly forced to retire due to mental health issues following a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Rugby League has given him the focus to help turn his life around. “I didn’t know what to do with myself and to be honest, I was lost,” Neil told Molton Monthly. “Rugby League is an old love and it’s really helped fill the void.”

His daughters came up with the Tarka Storm name, as it reflects the area they recruit players from around the Tarka Trail, and Henry Williamson’s novel Tarka the Otter. The team is now based at South Molton Rugby Club and is looking for new players aged 16 or over to join them.

Competing in the South West League, they’ve already proved their winning ways and now they’re looking to develop a “relaxed and fun family club”. They aim to branch out to include juniors, girls, ladies and masters teams.

If you’d like to get involved as a player or volunteer you can find Tarka Storm on Facebook, visit their website: tarkastormrl.com or email Neil: admin@tarkastormrl.com

Tarka Storm Rugby League team - pictures Charlotte Parker Photography