WHITEHEAD Steelers have experienced a boom in player numbers thanks to the efforts of the Welsh Lions.

The Bassaleg-based club now have one of the largest mini and junior rugby sections in Gwent after seeing scores of young players take up the sport.

Chairman Matt Fido said: "The level of interest has been phenomenal and we now have over 150 boys and girls regularly training and playing.

"We've really had a great 12 months for recruitment,with renewed interest in junior and mini rugby in the wake of Wales' Six Nations success and the great British and Irish Lions performance.

"It shows how much impact senior level sport has on a grass roots club like ourselves."

Whitehead Steelers JRFC includes mixed teams of girls and boys up to the age of 12, a host of teams from under-6s through to under-15s.

The seniors are also thriving with James Benjamin and Scott Andrews representing Wales Under 20s while Josh Skinner played for Newport Gwent Dragons in their pre-season win against Bath.

"Due to the demand for girls rugby, the Steelers have recently established an under-15s girls team," said Fido. "With support from the WRU, Sports Council of Wales and Newport Gwent Dragons, the team is really beginning to flourish, and recently played teams from Devon, Worcester, Whitland and Cardiff.

"We are always open to more players from ages five upwards, and would like to expand our girls team still further to keep pace with growing demand and interest in girls rugby."

The Steelers have a real family feel to the club and an active social life, recently completing a successful tour to North Devon and taking over 250 players, parents and supporters with them.

If you would like to know more or get involved visit www.steelersjrfc.co.uk or contact Fido on 07912 874849.