Two teenage girls who were taken to hospital after suffering minor injuries while playing rugby yesterday have returned home safe and well.

The air ambulance and paramedics were called to Ashford Rugby Club after two under 18s team girls players were injured.

The helicopter was scrambled shortly after 3pm and made a dramatic landing on the pitch at Kinney’s Lane.

One player had suffered a minor head injury and showed signs of concussion, while the other is believed to have had sore ribs.

Ambulance spokesman Rich Airey said the two girls aged 16 and 17 had been assessed on the pitch before they were taken to the William Harvey Hospital.

Ashford coach Liz Ashby said the two injured girls were playing for the visitors, Southern Surrey Belles under 18s.

She said: “The most important thing is girls’ safety. The reason why the ambulance was called for the initial head injury was because of suspected concussion.

“The coaches for all the youth teams have training on how to identify if someone has concussion. If a girl gets a knock to their head they are not allowed to continue.

“Both girls were taken in ambulances to hospital, but they are both now fine and at home with their parents.”

For more information about women’s and girl’s rugby at Ashford visit www.ashfordrugbyclub.co.uk/womens.