University scholar joins England rugby squad

The 21 year old centre, who has eight England U20s and four England A caps to her name, is in her third year of her Exercise & Sports Science course at University of Exeter and also plays for Bristol Ladies Rugby Club.

Reed was a member of the England squad that lifted the U20s Nations Cup in 2011, the year when she helped England A to become European champions. In addition, she was part of Colstons School’s national Sevens champions squad in 2006-07.

Reed joins fellow Bristol players Kate Newton, Izzy Noel-Smith and Sally Tuson in the 23 strong England squad which will be led by Lichfield’s Sarah Hunter with Worcester’s Danielle Waterman as vice-captain.

England last played France in the European Cup final in May and the young side took a 29-25 victory. With England and France evenly matched with two wins each from last season, November’s test match is set to be a thriller.

Head Coach Gary Street has named a largely young squad as he looks to give several Elite Playing Squad (EPS) members a run-out before the three test match series against world champions New Zealand next month.

Street added: “We relish playing France, it is always a massive match, and I am sure after their European Cup defeat they’ll be smarting. They will come over here determined to put one over us on our turf, so this match will be a great challenge.”

Amber plays rugby for the University of Exeter women’s first team squad and is a leading sports scholar within the prestigious High Performance Programme. Assistant Director of Sport (Performance & Competitions) Nick Beasant commented, “It’s brilliant to see Amber making her senior international debut. The High Performance Programme always strives to allow our talented student athletes the opportunity to perform at the highest level possible. As such, we are all incredibly proud of Amber’s achievement and will continue to help her develop in the international arena”.

This article appeared in the regional Sunday Independent on October 6, 2012, John Harding is a Bristol based freelance rugby writer who covers Exeter Chiefs.