A pair of Loughborough College rugby alumni are celebrating after helping England win the Women’s Six Nations.
Morwenna Talling, 18, made her international debut and Amelia Harper, 20, won her fourth cap as part of the England team which secured a second successive Grand Slam with 54-0 victory over Italy in Parma at the weekend.
Both studied at Loughborough College and were key members of the college’s women’s rugby programme.
Morwenna studied A-levels and graduated onto Loughborough University and has been a regular in the starting line-up for Women’s Premiership club Loughborough Lightning.
Amelia left Loughborough College with a Level 3 BTEC Sport and Exercise Science diploma and was heavily involved in the college’s women’s rugby programme where she went on the represent England under 18s in both the 15- and 7-a-side game, as well as England under 20s.
Brad Jones, Head of Women’s Rugby at Loughborough College, said: “It was a really proud moment to see Morwenna receive her first cap on Sunday, she is another incredible example of how the relationship between the Loughborough Lightning and Loughborough College programme can work to develop and support young, talented student-athletes in their journey.
“It’s also been very rewarding to see Amelia, another former student, grow and develop into a Premiership rugby player for Loughborough Lightning. Amelia also played a massive role in England’s Six Nation and Grand Slam success on Sunday evening, as she was involved in 4 of the 5 games. Amelia is just another example of what student-athletes can do here at Loughborough.”
Amelia said: “The Loughborough College Women’s rugby programme is a fantastic stepping stone from Club and County level rugby, to the women’s premiership.
“The programme has an amazing link with Loughborough Lightning and due to this, and the support and opportunities available, it has seen me go on to win a Six Nations and Grand Slam title with England. The pathway that has been created at Loughborough College is one can that produce many more young and talented rugby players.”