Student Plays for England in International Rugby Contest

lark-davies-warm-up-u20-army-2015-credit-england-rugby-need-to-check-future-use-rdax-300x225

Lark Davies, of Little Hereford, was part of the England squad competing in the Women's Rugby Super Series in Salt Lake City, America this month.

The contest featured the USA and the top three sides from the 2014 Rugby World Cup, England, France and Canada.

Lark was brought on to play in the defeat to Canada 52-17 and win over the USA 39-13, earning her second and third senior caps.

The England team, who are the current world champions, came back from the defeat against World Cup finalists Canada to win their final two matches including France 17-13, taking them to second place behind Canada.

"The first match was disappointing but we really built from that, trained hard and put the loss to start with behind us and came out and put in some good performances so we are developing and learning as a squad in preparation for the World Cup next year," said Lark.

"There's quite a lot of competition in my position so I'm pleased I got two caps.

"It was a great experience to be there and play a part in the squad performance.

"It was really tough physically and mentally."

The 21-year-old, who has previously played for England Under 20s, has been part of the national academy for a year.

This means she could be called up to play any time.

She got her first senior cap in the Super Series in Canada last year.

Lark, who plays in the position of hooker, started rugby aged nine at Orleton Primary School, in Ludlow, after watching it on television.

She went on to train with Leominster-based Luctonians Rugby Club and for the past three seasons has been playing for Worcester Valkyries in the women's premiership.

She played in the University first team.

Lark's next target is next year's World Cup, but with stiff competition for her position she is also looking ahead to the World Cup in 2021 and the annual Six Nations tournaments.

She is due to graduate this summer having completed her Primary Education degree, ready to start work as a teacher at Kingsland Primary School in Leominster, Herefordshire in September.

"Picture: Credit England Rugby