Amber Reed heads to Women's Rugby World Cup

England face Samoa, Canada and Spain in the groups stages of the tournament which is taking place in the French capitol, Paris over the coming month.  The side have finished runners-up in the last three tournaments, and will be hoping to oust old rivals and three times champions New Zealand for the top spot.

Reed is now a regular in the England women’s side, receiving her first senior international call up in November 2012. Playing in the Centre, she has since competed in the Six Nations, Autumn Internationals and joined a summer tour to New Zealand.

Despite this experience, Amber explained her excitement of competing in her first World Cup. She commented: “It’s pretty hard to describe in words, but simply summed up it’s a dream come true. Representing my country is always something I wanted to accomplish growing up and playing at a World Cup is one step better.

“It’s the pinnacle of sport and a chance for me to show all my family, friends and coaches over the years that all their time, efforts and sacrifices have all been worth it.”

A Sports Scholar at University, Amber captained the Women’s rugby 1st VX, leading the side to victory in the 2013 British Universities and Colleges Sport national championship final. Her achievements both for the University and her country also led her to be awarded Sports Women of the Year at the British Universities and Colleges Sport awards that same year.

Acting Director of Sport Nick Beasant said: “Amber was an outstanding women’s rugby captain during her time with us and led the club to huge success. The Sports Scholarship Scheme at the University is designed to give athletes like her the opportunity to reach their full sporting potential, and we are always thrilled when any current or former player takes to the international stage. We will be watching her progress closely during the tournament and wish her and the whole of the England squad the very best of luck. ”