Exeter alumae take to the stage at the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup

Representing the Red Roses is former Sports Scholar and Exeter University Women’s Rugby Club (EUWRFC) 1^st team captain Amber Reed. Having captained EUWRFC to BUCS Gold at Twickenham in 2013 and been part of the winning World Cup squad in France back in 2014, Amber has progressed through the ranks with England and is now a regular starter for the 15s side.  On a full time contract with England for the World Cup preparations Amber has had the opportunity to focus on her rugby full time having previously worked as a PE teacher at Bloxham School. Playing her club rugby with Bristol Ladies who reached the Premiership Final for the first time this season Amber hopes to continue her run of good form into the World Cup and push on with England for the title.

Lining up for Wales are former University of Exeter students and EUWRFC members Gemma Rowlands and Rebecca De Filippo. Making her debut for Wales in the opening game of the 2015 RBS 6 nations, Gemma rapidly put herself into the frame for Wales World Cup selection.  A Captain in the Royal Artillery Gemma is also a regular player for the Army and combined services. In her first senior World Cup Gemma will be looking forward to experiencing international rugby at the highest level.  At her senior debut Rebecca was the youngest member of the Wales squad and earned her first cap in the 2012 RBS 6 nations. Having been part of the Wales women’s world cup squad in 2014, Rebecca took a break from international rugby but is now very much looking forward to returning to the world stage.

Hong Kong are represented at the World Cup for the first time in 2017 and have 2 Exeter alumni in their ranks. Another former EUWRFC 1^st team captain, Jess Ho grew up in Hong Kong and was part of their national rugby programme as a junior before joining University of Exeter in 2011. Whilst at Exeter Jess was part of the BUCS Gold winning squad in 2013 and also captained EUWRFC to BUCS 7s Gold in her final year. Jasmine Shuk-han Cheung also makes the Hong Kong side having first made her Hong Kong debut against Spain in December 2015. A member of EUWRFC throughout her time at University Jasmine looks forward to gaining invaluable experience of being part of her first World Cup squad.

Reflecting on Exeter’s Women’s Rugby World Cup involvement Director of Sport Alison Davidson commented “It’s fantastic to have so many of our alumnae who have graduated from our University rugby programme involved in the most prestigious event in women’s rugby and we wish all of them the very best of luck”

Coverage of the Women’s Rugby World Cup is on ITV and starts with England’s first game against Spain on ITV4 and the ITV hub on Wednesday 9^th August from 1:30pm.