New research, conducted by Harlequins, has found that girls are four times less likely than boys to want to pursue a career as an athlete.

Quins surveyed 1,000 schoolchildren across the UK in research that also found that girls are twice as likely to want to become a social media influencer.

Alongside these findings, they also learned children are four times more likely to recognise male sports stars than female athletes. 

In addition, boys are twice as likely to watch sport on TV.

Quins captain and England international Rachael Burford said: “As the saying goes, ‘You can’t be what you can’t see’, and things need to change if schoolgirls are to be inspired by female sporting role models in the way boys are. 

"It’s undeniable that the profile of women’s sport is on the rise, but our survey shows there’s still much more that needs to be done to influence the behaviours of young girls in this country. 

“Women’s sport simply doesn’t get the coverage it deserves. Girls need to see female sports coverage to help give them the confidence that they can match boys in all areas of their lives.”

The research was conducted ahead of Quins' Game Changer event which promotes women's rugby and attempts to attract record crowds to their ground.

This year Quins will play Wasps at the event on April 11.