MEL Clewlow flies to the United States on Sunday admitting she has rediscovered her appetite for international hockey.

The 29-year-old Canterbury captain is in the England squad for the six-nation Champions Challenge at Virginia Beach, involving New Zealand, Spain, South Africa, United States and Japan.

Polo Farm club-mate Frances Houslop is also travelling, as former Canterbury coach Danny Kerry defends an unbeaten 12-match record.

Clewlow’s future had been the subject of much speculation after failing to qualify for the Olympics, but she returned to help them emerge surprise winners of the KT Cup in Korea last month.

She said: "I have been given a second chance, and I am enjoying it again."

The American trip also offers Mel the chance to catch up with two other Canterbury players, house-mate Jenny Wilson who will be with South Africa and American goalkeeper Amy Tran.

There is also the chance of a reunion with older brother Adrian who is coaching at Richmond, one and a half hours away.

Clewlow added: "He is working at a Futures Soccer School and will apparently be staying in the same hotel as us in the second week we are there."