Mophead & Natters
Former Basford Players Natalie McClarnon and Sophie Russell have been selected for the England U20 Squad for the match against Wales on 14th April 2009 . The girls impressed the England coaches at a three day training camp, where the squad was whittled down from 36 players.
Natalie & Sophie have had trials for England in recent years, but this is the first time they have been selected. Natalie said " I was really shocked when i found out as i was competing against two other hookers who had played for England U20 last year" " I really pushed myself and am chuffed that after three years of trying i have finally made the England squad. After not quite making it before , i worked even harder and am so proud that i will represent my country."
Both girls, started their rugby career at a young age at their local clubs and moved to play for Basford until they left to play senior rugby at Saracens and Loughborough this season.
Natalie's father Tony McClarnon who helped coach his daughter said " Its brilliant news. She has worked very hard, she does her club training, training with her conditioning coach, regional training and England training." " I would also like to thank all the other people involved with Natalie's development along the way" Wendy Le Grave who coached and managed Natalie up to U 16's, Gavin Scott who over the Basford U18's from Wendy and Paula Bates, Darren Coomer, Phil Robson for their assistance along the way.
Natalie & Sophie have had trials for England in recent years, but this is the first time they have been selected. Natalie said " I was really shocked when i found out as i was competing against two other hookers who had played for England U20 last year" " I really pushed myself and am chuffed that after three years of trying i have finally made the England squad. After not quite making it before , i worked even harder and am so proud that i will represent my country."
Both girls, started their rugby career at a young age at their local clubs and moved to play for Basford until they left to play senior rugby at Saracens and Loughborough this season.
Natalie's father Tony McClarnon who helped coach his daughter said " Its brilliant news. She has worked very hard, she does her club training, training with her conditioning coach, regional training and England training." " I would also like to thank all the other people involved with Natalie's development along the way" Wendy Le Grave who coached and managed Natalie up to U 16's, Gavin Scott who over the Basford U18's from Wendy and Paula Bates, Darren Coomer, Phil Robson for their assistance along the way.
