After trying her hand at football, swimming and netball in her hometown of Leicester, Northampton Academy’s Bethany moved to Northampton in Year 9 and discovered a new-found love for Rugby Union. Since then, she has proved that there are… no… limits.
The most recent, and arguably biggest news in Bethany’s rugby career came in May, when it was confirmed that the 18-year-old has been called up for England U20s trials in early June! This is an outstanding achievement and thoroughly deserved.
Since developing through the age groups at the Old Northamptonians, the second-row captained the U18s side for most of last season. Her stunning pace and power as a second-row have meant she easily slipped into the ON’s Ladies’ starting XV. After her run-outs since being eligible to play for the Ladies in late January, Bethany was presented twice with Forward of the Match and scored 4 tries in the three games she appeared in.
Her ability on the pitch, epitomised by her trademark offloads, caught the eye of coaches from further afield. The Midlands staff saw Bethany at her best, and they have regularly invited her to their training camps. She now captains the side against the best from across the country, and has more recently featured in their 7s side. She has also been selected for multiple England training camps, which despite being incredibly tough, have developed Bethany into the young talent that she is today.
Evidently, this year has been an eye-watering success for our Head Girl, scoring 20 tries in all competitions, whilst being offered a place at each of her five university choices, and selecting Devon as her imminent home – a county that loves rugby just as much as its beaches. Additionally, Bethany’s rugby coach at the University of Exeter is also a prominent figure in the England staff that will be assessing her at her U20s trials, so these trials could prove to be the gateway to a professional career of fame and good fortune. The school wishes Bethany the best of luck in June and we have no doubt in Bethany’s ability, as it’s certainly safe to say… she was born to play rugby.
Matthew Bates
22/05/17