More on KentOnline
Two Medway players will be in action for England women’s under-18 side this Sunday.
Jasmine Adonri and Amelia Williams are set to start for England in the national side’s anniversary fixture against Wales - a match celebrating 200 years since rugby was born.
An extended squad of 34 got together for a three-day training camp at Lilleshall National Sport Centre before the final 23 were selected for the landmark fixture, which will be live streamed on England Rugby's channels.
Medway Rugby Club’s ladies and girls’ section is chaired by Matt Kuhn and he’s delighted to see the pair progress to the national stage.
He said: “We are incredibly proud of Jasmine and Amelia, they are two truly exceptional players who have been a big part of the girls’ section at Medway RFC for a number of years.
“Amelia joined the club at under-13, she had never played rugby before and instantly showed good promise. Wind forward five years and she is at the very top level of the game.
“Jasmine joined our under-15 Medway squad three years ago after taking a break from rugby for a year.
“We are so glad that she decided to come along to Medway, and look at what she has achieved.”
Adonri - also part of the Wasps centre of excellence - said in a message to the section’s chair: “Thank you for everything Matt. I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to continue rugby before I joined Medway and now I’m in under-18s England and that’s all thanks to you and the other coaches!”
The club’s under-18 and under-16 teams will be heading up to the Midlands on Sunday to support them both in their match against Wales.
Kuhn added: “Both Amelia and Jasmine are in the starting 15, showing how respected they are by the England coaches.”
England head coach James Cooper said: “Playing in the 200-year anniversary match against Wales will be very special for all involved and something the players will remember for years to come. I urge them to keep that in mind when they run out onto the pitch.
“Congratulations to the 23 players selected and thank you to the centres of excellence, clubs and colleges, coaches, parents and guardians who helped them get to this point.”
Other players on the rise at Medway are Caroline Jordan, Laura Charter, Allisha Coulson, Corrina Griffiths and Gemma Duncan, who have all recently been selected for the 2023 Kent squad.