Loughborough College Women’s Rugby Academy has won a major national title.
After a stunning victory in the 2018 final, the team became Rosslyn Park HSBC National Girls AASE champions – and College student Jess Weaver was named Player of the Tournament.
The largest event of its kind in the world, the National Schools Sevens sees 7,000 boys and girls aged 13-18 compete annually.
Loughborough College ended Hartpury College’s total dominance of the competition with a stunning 14-7 victory in the final, which was live streamed.
The two teams had been the stand-out sides of the tournament; Hartpury beat SGS Filton College 32-14 in the semi-final while Loughborough booked their place in the final with a 27-10 win over Worthing College.
Hartpury scored the only points of the first half, leading 7-0 at the break. But the second half was a different story with Loughborough scoring twice to take the win 14-7.
“When they announced I was Player of the Tournament I was shocked and a bit embarrassed going up to accept the trophy – but I was also very proud,” said Jess, 17, who studies Sport Science at Loughborough College.
“It was really exciting playing on a big pitch with a huge crowd and to have it live streamed. We were losing in the final when I intercepted a try and we won the game.
“I have played rugby since I was 12 and I did trials to join the Women’s Rugby Academy at the College and when I was accepted, I moved to live on campus at the College. Training is hard but there are so many opportunities. I’ve really loved my first year.
“It’s great that we’re coached by Rhys Edwards, who’s the women’s Head Coach at Loughborough Lightning Rugby. I train with the Premier squad and I’m in the Sevens programme with them too.
“There’s such a great environment at the College’s Academy and I’ve improved so much since I joined. I’ll actually be really sad to stop for the summer holidays!”
Loughborough College’s Dave Edmunds was coach on the day at Rosslyn with students Zoe Warrington and Isla Alejandro assisting and College tutor and Academy Sport welfare officer Claire Plimmer the team’s sports therapist.
“Last year was our first year in the tournament and we reached the semi-finals. This year we went not only went one better but we also broke Hartpury’s winning streak,” said Claire.
“The win was a real tribute to all the hard work the players put in in training. Jess’s interception at the end probably clinched her getting Player of the Tournament but she was outstanding throughout all the games – as were all the players.
“It’s a strong team. Five of them play regularly for Loughborough Lightning first team and Jodie Ounsley is on the women’s England Deaf Rugby team. Five players - Anya Richmond, Bryony Field, Kayleigh Waller, Jess Weaver and Jodie Ounsley have also been selected as part of the England Talent Development Group. The whole team’s professionalism just shines through. They really are going from strength to strength.”
Pictured: Loughborough College Women’s Rugby Academy are named Rosslyn Park HSBC National Girls AASE champions – and Jess Weaver is named Player of the Tournament. Back row, from left: Jess Weaver, Hollie Bawden, Anya Richmond Lorna Raycraft, Grace White, Jodie Ounsley, Grace Standbridge. Front row left to right: Kayleigh Waller, Orla McCallion, Bryony Field, Ellen Ramsbottom, Tia Rich