Team Bath Dual Career student-athletes Jenny Hesketh, China Kill and Gabriella Nigrelli have been named in the starting XV for the first England Rugby Women U20s Test match since July 2019.
The University of Bath students, who all play Allianz Premier 15s rugby for Bristol Bears, will line up against Scotland Futures at Darlington Arena on Saturday 19 March (2pm).
It is the first of three matches for the U20s, who also travel to Evreux, Normandy to take on France U20s on Saturday 26 March (5pm) before hosting Les Bleues at Henley Hawks RFC on Saturday 2 April (2pm).
Winger Hesketh (Sport Management & Coaching), prop Kill (Criminology) and number 8 Nigrelli (Civil and Architectural Engineering) – who are also supported by the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) – have attended camps and joint training sessions with the Red Roses age-group squad throughout the season and also featured in practice matches against South Africa, New Zealand and Wales.
England U20 Head Coach Amy Turner said: “This group is relatively new and is learning fast, and has real pride in representing the programme. The fact we’re now playing games is important for the next part of their development, whether it’s into senior club rugby or the senior England squad.
“I’m pleased we have these three games because it’s been a long time since this age group’s last game. We’re all looking forward to seeing how the players fare.”
Dual Career student-athletes at the University of Bath receive a package of support tailored to suit their needs and demands in both study and sport. Visit teambath.com/dual-career to find out more.
With thanks to the Team Bath Press Office at Matchtight
