International Rugby Player Kicks Off Degree At Derby
7 October 2011
Natasha Jones in her England Rugby kit.
As the Rugby World Cup comes to a conclusion in New Zealand later this month, an England Rugby player studying here at the University of Derby tells us about her experience playing on the international stage, and who she thinks will take the Cup home.
Natasha Jones, 20, plays Rugby for the England women's under 20s team, and is currently studying towards a BSc (Hons) degree in Sport and Exercise Science at Derby. While studying, she intends to keep playing for her club, nearby Lichfield, and on the international stage.
Natasha started her rugby career at the age of eight after she attended a rugby club open day with her brother. Natasha decided she wanted to play, and joined Leicester Forest East boy's squad.
At age 11 she moved into the girl's team at Leicester Forest East and at the age of 14 she moved to Lichfield Under 18s. At 18 she made it into the first team and was invited to the high performance academy.
Whilst at Lichfield Natasha attended trials for the England Under 20s squad, and was successful. She then went on to play for England A team in the Euro Trophy 2011 in Spain in April. Then in July Natasha represented England in the Summer Under 20s Nations cup at the University of California, Santa Barbara, USA where they played teams including South Africa (a game that Natasha Captained), Canada and the USA. England went on to win the competition.
Natasha said "I never envisaged myself representing England at Rugby. When I found out it was the best feeling in the world."
When asked about her ambitions for the future Natasha replied: "On the domestic scene I would love to help Lichfield win RFUW premiership and I want to gain more experience playing for the elite squad at an international level."
We asked Natasha who she thought would win the Rugby world cup. "I would love England to win the World cup, but I think either New Zealand or South Africa will win."
Team Derby are currently looking to set up a Women's Rugby team, which Natasha hopes to play for.
Interview completed and written by Alex Molloy, University Sports Participation
