A FORMER Ellingham and Ringwood player has been named in England Women's Six Nations squad.
Poppy Cleall, who plays for Premiership leaders Bristol, is part of the 33-player squad that kick-starts the tournament on February 4.
The forward will be looking to represent England, coached by Simon Middleton, when they take on the likes of France, Wales, Italy, Scotland and Ireland.
She’s already won seven England caps and has got her sights set on her first grand slam. Last season she won her first Premiership title while playing for Saracens.
After receiving the England call-up, Cleall popped back to spend some time with her old club.
Cleall spent time talking to Ellingham’s girls' section and answering their questions. She then ran a coaching session for their successful under 15s' girls' squad.
Afterwards, she paid tribute to her former club coach Steve Benson, who is now the club’s director of rugby.
“Steve was always passionate and knowledgeable about rugby," she said.
"You could tell he really enjoyed coaching and would always go out of his way for anyone."
Later this month, five of Ellingham’s players will be looking to follow in Cleall's footsteps as, following their success representing Hampshire, they’ve been selected to trial for London and the South East Division.
The five players include Alicia Maude, Olivia Horton, Ava Seymour, Megan Renshaw and Georgia Lang, all of whom are pictured with Cleall.
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