Tom Radcliffe, Director of Elite Sport at Hartpury, has applauded the Women’s Six Nations success of Hartpury alumni playing for England and expects their achievement to inspire current and future students at both Hartpury University and Hartpury College.
England’s matchday squad for the decisive 10-6 win over France on Saturday to clinch the Women’s Six Nations crown included four former Hartpury students – player of the match Zoe Aldcroft, Amy Cokayne, Ellie Kildunne and Zoe Harrison.
England’s 2021 Six Nations squad also included former Hartpury students Megan Jones, Alex Matthews, Hannah Botterman and Ellena Perry.
At club level, Aldcroft – the 2020 England women’s player of the year – and Perry play in the Allianz Premier 15s for Gloucester-Hartpury Women’s RFC, run in partnership by Hartpury and Gloucester Rugby.
Tom Radcliffe said: “Many congratulations to everyone involved in the England Women’s squad, particularly every member of the Hartpury family, for winning the Six Nations tournament for the third year in a row.
“France pushed them every step of the way in the final, but the players dug deep and came away with a very well deserved win – they’re a real credit to themselves and the sport.
“We’re always extremely proud of the achievements of our former students and we wish all the players continued success, particularly at next year’s World Cup.
“They’ve become fantastic role models for our current and future students who no doubt will be looking to follow in their footsteps.
“We’ll continue to provide our students with all the support we can to ensure they have the best opportunities possible to pursue their dreams, on the sports field or elsewhere.”
Students on the women’s rugby programme at Hartpury have access to a range of world class-facilities and top-level coaching.
Hartpury’s new £8.8 million Sports Academy includes a biomechanics laboratory, a rehabilitation suite featuring an anti-gravity treadmill, and a human performance laboratory with an altitude chamber, and a sports hall.
Many past and present members of the women’s rugby programme at Hartpury have gone on to play for Gloucester-Hartpury Women’s RFC and gain international caps.
Picture: England players celebrating their success in the Women's Six Nations (photo credit: The RFU collection via Getty Images)
