A SET of identical Nantwich twins are helping to redefine what it means to be a rugby player in a new campaign launched by England Rugby.

The movement, entitled ‘We Call it Rugby’, aims to get young people aged 16 to 24 engaged with the sport, as well as to challenge the stereotypes that surround it.

The stories of 18-year-olds India and Georgie Perris-Redding are being highlighted, who despite having only taken up the sport two years ago have already competed at a national level.

Georgie said: “I think the stereotype is that girls who play rugby are going to be big and quite masculine, but that is not the case.”

Georgie’s words resonate with the campaign, whose website states that in rugby, ’20 stone bulldozers are valued just as highly as small, pacy whippets’.

The girls certainly do not adhere to the stereotypical rugby player image, with both of them measuring less than 5ft 5in.

But they have embraced their smaller builds and want to prove that anybody can take part in the game, and to consider touch rugby as a viable alternative to the more aggressive contact.

Georgie said: “Usually when I get on the pitch, I’m the smallest on there, along with India.

“I look at it as an advantage. I’m smaller so my centre of gravity is lower so I can run round them a lot quicker.”

Their unique relationship as twins also adds something to their own pitch dynamic, with the pair agreeing that it can often enhance their performance.

Having represented England in the European mixed under 18s touch tournament, Georgie is now hoping to play professionally for rugby sevens.

The twins hope to inspire others to take part in the game, and want to encourage girls who do not fit the stereotype to get along to their local club.

The pair has offered advice to those who are still unsure about whether or not rugby was the right game for them.

India said: “Go for it! You never know unless you try. You will almost certainly enjoy it.”

To find your nearest rugby club and get involved, you can visit www.FindRugby.com