Rugby club so proud of duo’s England calls
Burgess Hill RFC are proud to announce that two of the club’s ex-junior players have been included in England Women’s Under-18 squad.
Grace Clifford, a prop, and Katie Shillaker, a centre, have been selected as part of a 34-player squad ahead of international matches in February and April.
On naming the squad, Head Coach James Cooper said: “It was extremely tough to narrow down, we have gone with the 34 selected players as we believe they give us a good balance across positions.”
Both girls started playing rugby at Burgess Hill when they were just six years old, joining the then all-boys squad.
Their former coach Scott Caney recalls that first training session.
“It was clear from minute one that these girls were serious about the sport.
They didn’t arrive at training, they burst on to the scene.
“They were a match for any of the boys in the squad and we were gutted to lose them when they turned 12 and had to join a girls-only team.
“Being named in the England
squad is testament to their skill, commitment and passion for rugby.”
Katie and Grace, who now play for Horsham RFC and Worthing College, have also been selected for the Harlequins Centre of Excellence and have been training with the professional Harlequins Women’s Premier 15 team.
Ross Halifax, Director of Rugby at Burgess Hill Rugby Club, said: “What an achievement this is for both the girls and our club.
“Their success will hopefully inspire more girls to take up and watch the sport locally.
“You don’t get to play for your country on talent alone. You have to be dedicated and work your socks off. There is no stopping them. It’s just fantastic news.”
The England U18 squad is made up of players from 10 centre of excellences. There’s strong west country representation through Gloucester-Hartpury and Bristol Bears.
They are joined by Yorkshire centre of excellence players as well as a number from Exeter Chiefs.
The remainder of the group is made up of players from north east, Cumbria, Loughborough Lightning, Worcester Warriors and London Saracens, Wasps, and, of course, Harlequins where Katie and Grace train.