Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
England’s women rugby stars lead truly unique lives off the field. Despite professionalism entering the picture six years ago, hooker Amy Cokayne remains a standout with her dual career as a police officer in the RAF. The 29-year-old, gearing up for her third consecutive Women’s Rugby World Cup final, attributes her success to the RAF’s Elite Athlete Scheme, which allows her to pursue her rugby dreams while honoring her military commitments.
Unlike the entirely amateur English team that clinched the World Cup in 2014, today’s players, like Cokayne, benefit from a more structured professional setup. Veterans like Marlie Packer look back on the 2014 victory when they quickly returned to their former jobs, such as plumbing, just days after lifting the trophy. Packer’s journey serves as a stark contrast to the current environment, where women’s rugby in England has evolved dramatically.
England’s rise to the pinnacle of women’s rugby is bolstered by their status as one of the few fully professional nations. This transition has significantly impacted the players’ lives, with Lark Atkin-Davies recalling her previous role as a primary school teacher before transitioning to rugby full time. The sport’s growth in England has paved the way for athletes like Hannah Botterman, who traded a career in painting and decorating for a professional rugby contract with the national team.
Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, players like Meg Jones persevered through adversity. Jones, who previously contemplated working for Amazon during the lockdown, now stands as one of England’s star players at the World Cup. As they gear up to compete on home soil, these athletes recognize the resilience and hard work required both on and off the field to achieve their ultimate goal of securing a World Cup title
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.