IT might not have been the best World Cup for England’s players but rising rugby star Jade Shekells says the tournament has inspired her to make it to the top of the sport; by Marios Papaloizou. 

A former Hartpury College pupil, Shekells is part of the England Under-20s set and a keen spectator of the tournament.

Having seen England’s women team lift the World Cup in France last year, the 19-year-old Cardiff Met university student is determined to emulate her heroes and make it on the biggest stage of all.

“Watching the World Cup was brilliant and I think it really gave me a sense of where you can go in the sport if you work hard”, said Shekells, who used to play for Gloucester-Hartpury women. “You see the kind of support the players get from people in this country as well and it really just drives you on and keeps you motivated.

“I want to move through the age groups and play for the national side one day – it would be a dream come true.”

Shekells places with Cardiff Met and England under-20s are secure but she knows that to make it to top there is still plenty to do and is keen to get her head down and keep edging her way closer to her dreams.

“The season has been going really well with my university”, added Shekells, “and I have had three camps with England under-20s.

“It’s great to have a game to look forward to every week and to have training geared towards that so it’s been nice.

“Hopefully it will help me to become a better player and I can kick on and make sure I keep improving so I can make the full England team one day.”

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