RUBY RIBCRUSHER is already taken, as is Hotlips Cruelihan and Donna Kehbab but there are still plenty of roller derby nicknames available for women wanting to join the new Canberra Roller Derby League.

This lively contact sport, made famous in the 1930s in Texas, is enjoying a worldwide revival and derby enthusiasts Kate 'Bullseye Betty' Murphy and Helen 'Dr Hell' Doyle are bringing it to Canberra.

Ms Doyle said the city was crying out for something like roller derby.

''It's got that rockabilly burlesque aspect to it that is big in Sydney and Melbourne and there are a lot of creative people here in Canberra, I think they'll love it,'' Ms Doyle said.

The game consists of two teams of five skating on traditional block roller skates around a rink in a clockwise direction. One person from each team must push their way through the opposing pack and lap the team, scoring points for every opposing team mate they pass.

But Ms Murphy says there's a lot more to it than that.

''There's a real element of theatre and spectacle,'' Ms Murphy said. ''Everyone takes on their own persona and dresses up but as well as that, it's great exercise.''

There has never been a roller derby league in Canberra before and Ms Doyle says they're getting a great response.

''So far, it's just me and Bullseye skating around car parks but a lot of people are keen to get involved, we've also got a lot of guys asking to join but sorry boys, you can ref, you can coach, but you can't play.'' There will be an information night and screening of documentary Roller Derby Dolls tomorrow night at The Front Gallery and Cafe in Lyneham. Ms Doyle and Ms Murphy encourage any aspiring players, judges, venue owners and those who are just plain curious to attend.

For more information, go to http://crdl.wikispaces.com