Red Roses prop Vickii Cornborough has called time on her illustrious international career, which has seen her represent her country 75 times.
After featuring for England at Under-19 and Under-20 level, the 34-year-old debuted at senior level against Wales in 2015, becoming the 198th player to earn a cap for the Red Roses.
She went on to be part of six Six Nations-winning sides, including five Grand Slams, started two Rugby World Cup finals and was awarded Player of the Match in two Red Roses matches at Twickenham. In total, she played her part in 63 England wins, scoring four tries.
Cornborough was influential as vice-chair of the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) in creating the RFU’s maternity policy and has benefitted from what she described as a ‘game changing moment’ over the past year.
She has given a lot to the game in a decade as an England player and is committed to giving back to aspiring Red Roses in the future.
Cornborough said: “It has been an emotionally tough decision to confirm my international retirement but it’s one that is right for my family and I, personally and professionally.
“I’m proud to have played for my country 75 times, won Six Nations titles and played at two Rugby World Cups. It’s been a dream. I have given everything to the Red Roses shirt and being the best player I can be.
“Becoming a mother has been one of the best things to ever happen in my life. It’s also an incredibly difficult and demanding job. I’ll be forever grateful for the support England and Harlequins have given me over the past year. It’s great we have made such positive strides to now be talking about, and supporting, women in rugby having children.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the next wave of Red Roses come through and I’m committed to aiding the off-field development of young players where I can. In the meantime, I’ll be supporting from afar!”
Red Roses Forwards Coach Louis Deacon paid tribute to Cornborough, saying: “Earning 75 caps for your country is an incredible achievement.
“Vickii has been the cornerstone of the Red Roses scrum for the past decade. There was a period where her name was the first name you expected to see on the teamsheet, such was her consistency, professionalism and quality.
“She is an extremely talented, much-loved person who has always put the needs of the team and her teammates first. She will be missed in the Red Roses environment but we know how amazing a mother she will continue to be.
“We wish her and her young family all the very best for the future, and look forward to seeing them all soon.”
Away from the field, Vickii has ‘Braved the Shave’ to support her sister, Sam, who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer last summer.
Over £5,500 has been raised to date with all donations going to Rugby Against Cancer, The Little Princess Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support to help fund further research into this cruel disease.
Vickii said: “We (Vickii and Sam) both love our long locks, but have decided to take the opportunity to take control and turn this into a positive by donating our long hair to The Little Princess Trust, to be made into children’s wigs.”
To hear more about Vickii’s campaign and Sam’s story, click here.
With thanks to the RFU
