Gill Burns MBE England
73 England Caps / 2 Great Britain Caps
'Burnsy' started playing rugby in 1987 at the age of 23. Only one year later she played in her first International match for England - a fixture that she also organised! Like most international players of this period Gill was already an experienced sportswoman, having taken part hockey, basketball, swimming and athletics at national level.She was also well know for having danced, under her mothers tutorage, since she could walk. As a physical hockey centre forward some rugby players identified her potential and invited her to play rugby in Liverpool Polytechnic's team.
Gill's immediate reation to playing rugby was amazement. She suddenly had the oppertunity to push herself with out the physical restrictions that other sports imposed. It was a platform to use her natural power and skill. Gill went on to become an integral part of the England team for 14 years. She captained the side between 1994 and 1999 and also represented Great Britain twice and captained Waterloo's women's team.
She was a highly respected player as well as being the first marketable 'face' of women's rugby. She obtained enormous press coverage for the game during its crucial development years. Her story (Ballet Dancer to England Rugby Captain) captured the imagination of the press and her long plaits became an iconic image.
Gill's fitness peaked in 2002 at the age of 38. She follwed a strict fitness regime in preperation for the Rugby World Cup tournament, with fantastic help form her mother. The final against Black Ferns was her last international apperance.
Gill was awarded an MBE in 2005 nfor her service to sport. She continues her involment in the game as President of the RFUW and the president of Waterloo.