England U20 rugby call for Stafford teenager

A STAFFORD teenager has won her first international caps after being called up for the England Ladies U20 rugby team. 

 

Chesley Fuggle, 19, was named in the squad for the Nations Cup and made appearances as a replacement in the opening two games, against South Africa and Canada, at Nottingham.

The matches ended in disappointment, with the team going down by just two points to South Africa and suffering a heavier 43-15 defeat against a well-organ- ised Canada side.

She was also due to play in the third game yesterday, against the USA – a match the English squad were determined to win in a bid to reach Sunday’s final.

The full-back, who also plays on the wing, said she was delighted to have made the squad.

“I am thrilled to have got the call. It’s the culmination of years of hard training and learning,” she said.

The former Walton High School pupil began her career at Stafford Rugby Club as an 11-year-old and was soon making her mark, with selection for county and divisional honours at all age-groups.

She won a scholarship to Hartpury College at Gloucester, where she completed her A levels and was coached by Danielle Waterman, England Ladies full-back.

Now playing for ladies Premiership team Lichfield, she has continued to progress into senior county and divisional teams – culminating in the England call-up.

Now she is looking to take the next step – and has already been called for a full England trial, despite having another year as an U20.

“It’s been a tough but rewarding season for me,” said Chelsey. “Making the transi- tion from junior to senior rugby is hard – especially at Premiership level, but I have had such good support from so many people.”

Article source: http://bdaily.co.uk/environment/18-07-2013/welsh-rugby-star-martyn-williams-in-keepmoat-fundraiser/

England U20 rugby call for Stafford teenager