Rising rugby star, Maud Muir was today named in The England Women U20s squad for the 2019/20 season.
The 18-year-old prop player has just started a Sports Scholarship here at Brunel, where she trains as a professional athlete while tackling a sports science degree.
Along with the 24-player group, she’ll tough it out at monthly three-day training boot camps and compete in the Tyrrells Premier 15s and British Universities and College Sport (BUCS) leagues.
“I’m relieved that the hard work and long hours travelling have paid off,” said Maud, “and I’m excited to develop my game.”
Maud, from Oxford, is backed by Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club and plays for both Brunel and West London side, Wasps. She remembers being the only girl in a mixed team aged just five.
Led by former England international Amy Turner, the U20s’ focus this season is to develop as individual players, ahead of a competition phase next summer. Maud will then aim to get selected and play in the summer tour.
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“I’m training most days,” Maud added. “When I’m not at Wasps, I’ll be at uni training or in lectures. It does take a lot of time travelling to Wasps, but I’m used to it. Last season I’d get the bus from Oxford while studying for my A-levels.”
“This selection is wonderful news for Maud,” said Mark Burgess, Brunel University London’s, head of sport. “It’s a great opportunity for her to progress alongside the best young talent in England.
“Along with Ealing Trailfinders, we’re delighted to play our part in supporting Maud’s development and it is great to have someone of her undoubted talent at Brunel to help spearhead the growth of the women’s game here.”