SELF-confessed girlie Charlene 'Charlie' Aspinall isn't quite ready to swap her make-up for muscle rub just yet.

For Charlie, who likes nothing more than having a sing-song while slapping on the lipstick in her bedroom, is Calder Vale's newest and unlikeliest physio.

But while a good old pamper is still top of the list, the rough and tumble of Rugby Union is fast becoming her new love.

"To be honest, I'd never even watched a game of rugby before I came here," said the 22-year-old Scot. "Now you can't keep me away. It's an excellent game."

Charlie's whirlwind introduction to the game was almost as fast as her introduction to life in East Lancashire.

The Glasgow University graduate, who comes from Inverness, attended an interview for a junior physiotherapist position at Burnley General Hospital and was offered the job on the spot.

"It was too good an opportunity for me to turn down.

"And it was there I met John Sinclair who is a long time member of Calder Vale Rugby Club."

John invited Charlie along to the club and asked if she was interested in becoming the club's new physio.

"I was absolutely terrified," recalls Charlie. "I didn't know what was in store but the lads have been great. I would have to say my social life is now better than when I was in university."

Charlie did admit that the number of players complaining of groin strains suddenly rose but when she said an ice pack was the best cure their injuries soon went away!

"I had to put them in their place straight away. I had a feeling they might pull that stunt so I was ready for them."

Charlie has now become an integral part of the North Lancs Division One club -- and has quickly earned the respect of the players and coaching staff.

Her match day duties include warm-ups and stretching, strapping advice, attending injuries during the game and post-match analysis.

She is also on hand at training sessions twice a week.

She admits she has mixed feelings while watching a game as she loves to see players crunching in to tackles -- just as long as they get up again.

"I hate seeing people in pain. Luckily there have not been too many bad injuries which is surprising by the way they crash in to each other."

Charlie is not the only female physio on the circuit -- in fact she has seen more women than men.

She said: "Some clubs do not have physios at all but so far I have met three women and just one man. I think they are an important part of any club considering the amount of damage players can do to each other."

Unfortunately, her magic sponge hasn't done the trick on the pitch as Calder Vale have lost their opening 10 fixtures.

But that has not dampened her spirit for the game -- just as long as she can escape back to her girlie world from time to time.

So while Charlie is currently happy singing her chart toppers in her bedroom don't be surprised if they soon turn to rugby songs!