Rugby Scholar takes on New Zealand

Amber received first senior cap against France in November this year. During an exceptional debut she kicked eight points to help England secure a decisive victory.

Looking back at her first kick, she commented “I have never been so nervous, but you just have to think that it’s any pitch, any piece of grass, and try not to think about the situation too much. To see the first kick go over was a huge relief and to then hear the crowd was unbelievable.

Ever since I started playing Rugby I’ve wanted to play for England, so now I just want to keep going and play well. There are so many great players in the squad and everyone supports each other and helps to get the best out of the side.”

Following this impressive performance Amber was named as a squad member for the three match series against the New Zealand Black Ferns which took place in late November. England dominated the competition winning every match for the first time since the series was created.

Amber started the second game against at Aldershot Park, in the number 12 position, coming off after 60 minutes. She then played in the closing minutes of the final match which took place at Twickenham in front of over 14,000 fans.

She commented “Facing New Zealand was a bit nerve wracking, but running out at Twickenham I had the biggest smile on my face. I have played at Twickenham before against Leeds Met, but to face New Zealand at the home of English rugby was totally different. It was great to have the support of the fans cheering us on.”

Alongside her studies Amber is part of the University of Exeter’s prestigious Sports Scholarship Scheme which offers funding for high performing sportsmen and women alongside sports specific coaching, training from the University’s dedicated strength and conditioning team and sports medicine support from our campus based partners Ocean Physio.

Assistant Director of Sport (Performance & Competitions), Nick Beasant commented, “Everyone in the performance team is incredibly proud for Amber and her exceptional achievements. The Sports Scholarship scheme is designed specifically to help talented athletes like Amber to achieve their goals. To gain an international cap and to have played so well is truly brilliant. We will continue to support Amber throughout her time at the University of Exeter and wish her every success for 2013 which promises to be an exciting year in her already impressive career.”

Amber competes for the University’s women’s rugby 1^st team which currently lies 3^rd in the British Universities and Colleges Sport Premier League Division. In her spare time she also coaches rugby to girls at St Luke’s school in Exeter as part of the University’s Sports Volunteering Scheme.

She commented “The University has been amazing to give me so much support over the last 2½  years. The next big challenge will be gaining selection for the Six Nations in the new year. 2013 is going to be very important in terms of making an impact and taking opportunities when they come up.”