Jess is England’s Six Nations hero – and ours!we’re so proud of her
Rugby Jess Breach’s family told of their pride after she completed her record of scoring a try in every game – and finished as top try scorer – as England won the women’s Six Nations.
The former Chichester junior and Pulborough youth player, now a Harlequins Ladies wing, returned to XVS rugby from sevens this year and scored with her first touch back with the Red Roses against Ireland.
She scored twice in each of the games against France, Wales and Italy and ended the competition with the highest metres made and the most line breaks.
Breach’s double against Scotland at Twickenham on Saturday – when the Grand Slam was clinched – means she scored in every game, ended as Six Nations’ top try scorer and now has 20 tries in her seven caps.
Proud dad John, from Felpham, said: “The tournament has been fantastic.
“We started by flying over to Ireland for Jess’s first Six Nations game and her third cap. That was amazing, the Irish were very hospitable.
“The support for Jess and the team has been truly fantastic. To meet up with parents of daughters we’ve known for years, as our daughters have been on the same path as Jess, was awesome. The support from them, family and friends means a lot to the ladies.
“As a family we’ve travelled to see all the games. At Exeter there were a number of friends, and girls from Pulborough, to cheer her and the team on. At Cardiff she met one of the boys from her Chichester days and two friends from Bishop Luffa.
“With the women’s game you can meet with them after every game – congratulate them and share their joy in the performance. Jess was always on a high and tired after each game, very excited about the win.
“On occasions she’d want to critique some part of her game. The players have time to speak to and have selfies with supporters. At Doncaster and Sandy Park it took Jess more than an hour to leave the field. The interaction with the crowd is fantastic. I think they are so high on adrenaline that they may use this time to reach normal levels.
“At Doncaster the great atmosphere spurred the ladies on at a tight ground, while Sandy Park (Exeter) was on another level, and made the Six Nations very special – the sheer size of the crowd packed into the ground, the noise and the swell of the cheer as ladies came out. Jess said the noise of the crowd when you had the ball and were attacking was incredible and gave you a real surge and lift.
“After all the games, we were able to join the players at the ground or team hotel, sharing in their excitement.
“Jess has thoroughly enjoyed her time in the 15s squad. She has learnt and will continue to learn from such an experienced group.
“She was nervous about receiving the high cross-field kicks, not something she has done a lot of. Her heart missed a beat for the one she caught before scoring against France.”
John recalled his daughter’s early days in the sport. “Watching Jess play as an under-eight at Chichester or an under-18 at Pulborough, you hoped she had what it took to play internationally.
“Jess has been very lucky to play for England under18s at sevens events and come through the England under-20 programme. We had our fingers crossed she could break into the main squad and play in a Six Nations or a World Cup. She has worked extremely hard and had some great coaches to help.
“At the final game at Twickenham, there were so many people there to see Jess play – my sister and brother, my nephew, girls from Pulborough RFC, from Chi Uni and families of girls who Jess has played rugby with.
“We’d like to say a huge thank you to them for all their support.
“It has meant a lot to Jess and us to know they are behind her and share in hers and the team’s success.
“The messages on Twitter and Facebook, the bumping into people in town who say they watched the game and saw Jess playing – it is great to share in Jess’s success with them and feel the buzz they also get from it.”
Breach now heads back to Harlequins for the end of their league season.