Lancashire girls celebrate England recognition

A group of Lancashire rugby girls, including five from Liverpool St Helens RUFC, are celebrating the news that they have been selected for the RFU’s National Under 18 Talent Development Squad which is made up of only 30 players who are deemed to have the potential to play Premiership Rugby and even represent England. “This is fantastic news and thoroughly deserved,” said LSH Girls Coordinator Peter Morrissey. “Our whole ethos is about helping players reach their full potential and players come from all over the North West to be part of this.” The LSH players selected are Emma McCartney, Rachael Woosey, Holly Aitchison, Sally Stott and Amy Harling. Fly-half Emma and winger Rachael have both just left Rainford Technology College where the principal Ian Young was full of praise for the two budding England stars. He said: “We are all delighted and excited for Emma and Rachael. “Having played rugby for many years myself, I know how much this will mean to them and their families. Our school has a fine sporting tradition and I look forward to seeing their rugby careers develop.” Clitheroe 15-year-old Amy Harling is a student at St Augustine's RC High School and shines a beacon for East Lancashire girls in that this is her first season playing rugby union. Her teacher John O'Ryan first suggested that the sporty teenager should give rugby a try after he had seen her play at school. She was invited to attend Lancashire County trials in October 2012 and was immediately selected for County honours where she made a speedy impact with her pace and agility. "Amy took to rugby straight away," said her father Paul, who himself played for Blackburn RUFC. “She joined the Liverpool St Helens girls team and made such an impact that the coaches recommended that she also attend trials for the North of England. “We were delighted when she was selected to play for the North of England, but when the selectors chose her for the National Talent Development Group as well, we were all simply gobsmacked." "I'm so excited and I can't believe this has happened so quickly," said Amy. “I play lots of sports but there's nothing like the buzz you get from playing rugby. All the girls are fantastic and I'm thrilled to get this opportunity to work with some of the best coaches." RFU Community Coach John Foster said: "Amy is a tremendous prospect who is eager to learn and develop as a rugby player. Girls' rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in England and the number of new teams is growing rapidly. We expect to launch new teams at Blackburn and Preston in time for the new season in September." Joining the celebrations of England recognition is Vale of Lune’s junior BMW Player of the Year Sally Stott, who is also included in the U18 Girls National Talent Development Group. Sally, 16, attends Lancaster Girls Grammar School and started playing rugby at the age of seven after seeing her brother, Sam play for Vale of Lune. Sally has also gained County honours before being selected to play for the North of England. It was her barnstorming performances for the North that caught the eye of the selectors who have now drafted the No 8 forward into the National Talent Development Group. Phil Stott, Sally’s father, who also had a distinguished rugby career representing both Vale of Lune, Lancashire and Wigan RLFC was understandably delighted with the news. He said: “Sally has worked really hard for this and I know that she is looking forward to the challenge enormously. She is also playing at the Sainsbury's National School Games in September 2013 so these are very exciting times and we are all very proud.” Sally, who has been mentored by former England Women’s captain Catherine Spencer, was understandably thrilled with the news. She said: “ It’s an amazing opportunity and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the squad. I’ll be one of the youngest players in the group but I’ll be giving it 100%. All the family have been so supportive and helped me so much.” Further information on opportunities to play women’s rugby can be obtained from RFU Community Rugby Coach John Foster on johnfoster@rfu.com or 07738648944 or in East Lancashire from CRC Chris Lowden on chrislowden@rfu.com Tony Simpson, RFU Press Officer