TWO Hampshire students have been selected for the England women’s under-18 rugby squad.

Winchester-based Sophie Tandy and Phoebe Murray will take their place in the Development Group aiming to follow in the footsteps of former Peter Symonds College student Rowena Burnfield and go on to play for England.

17-year-old Sophie, a former Perins pupil and current U18 Basingstoke RFC player, was part of the gold medal winning SE seven’s squad at the Sainsbury’s Schools Games held in Manchester in September.

Sophie is now training with the U18 National Talent Development Group alongside lower sixth student Phoebe Murray.

Potential

The 16-year-old former Thornden student plays her club rugby for Ellingham and Ringwood.

As well as National Talent Development, college and club commitments, both also play for Hampshire and the South East.

Sophie, who is studying A levels in PE, english language, psychology and drama & theatre studies, said: “I’d love to thank all my coaches, especially my rugby coach Chris Hancock at Perins, for pushing me and driving me to reach my potential. “Russell Amos and all the Basingstoke staff have provided me with the skills and achievements that have helped me to get where I am.

“My dream is to play in the England U20 squad, a possibility through hard work in the TDG, to reward the faith of all my coaches.”

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