Katy kicks off her England career in style
Source: ablogus.sunderland.ac.uk
02/2007
Katy McLean’s dream came true on Saturday (February 3) when she made her debut for England Women’s Rugby team in the RBS Six Nations tournament - crusing to a 60-0 victory over Scotland, with Katy converting her first try as a full England player.
For a full match report go to: http://www.rfu.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/RFUHome.Community_Detail/StoryID/15847
The 21-year-old Sports Studies students is the only North-East player to be chosen for the first team, which is ranked 2nd in the world standings. The talented sportswoman could become the female equivalent of England’s biggest rugby star, Jonny Wilkinson. There are similarities between the two already – like the Newcastle Falcons player, Katy plays at fly-half and will wear the number 10 shirt for England.
She has excelled through the junior ranks to the England A-squad over the past few years and now all that hard work has paid off with a well deserved call up to the first team.
Katy, who is in the third year of a Sports Studies degree at Sunderland, is expecting to play a big part in the whole RBS Six Nations series, which sees her line up against Scotland, Ireland, Wales, France and Italy. The women’s tournament coincides with the men’s RBS Six Nations competition, which will feature Jonny Wilkinson.
Katy, who plays domestic rugby for national Division 1 side Thirsk, who are based at Darlington, said: “It is a real surprise to break into the first team squad but I was always hopeful. My family and friends are really pleased, especially as they know how much work I have put in.”
Katy has been supported throughout her time at university, where she also plays football for the university, as part of the Elite Athletes scheme. The University scheme offers funding and professional support to athletes who are breaking into the high end of their sports.