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Wakefield Girl called up to England Rugby Squad

Thursday, 27 February, 2020

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Wakefield College student Aallisha Rhodes has been called up to the senior England Women’s National Rugby League team for their upcoming training camp and fixtures.

Aallisha is a key part of the College’s female Rugby Development Programme and was last year’s Woman of Steel for Wakefield Trinity WRLFC. She is currently studying Public Services Level 3 at the College alongside her rugby training and fixtures.

Aallisha has been a solid performer for both the College and Wakefield Trinity this year and attended trials for the England students’ team (College & University). She was successful on these trials and selected for the student’s squad.  However only two weeks after being selected, she was then scouted and promoted to the senior women’s national team.

On being selected Aallisha said: “It’s amazing! At such a young age and to be asked to move up to the national squad is so good. It’s a lot of pressure, but I think I’ll do well.”

Head of Competitive Sport at Wakefield College,  Ben Severn said: “What an outstanding achievement. We are all extremely proud of Aallisha at the College. From the work we have done and seen on and off the pitch over the last year, she definitely has the skills and the ability to go all the way. She was given an opportunity through the college to be selected for the student’s team which she took. Her hard work led to another door opening at senior international level. We wish her the best of luck and will continue to support her dual career through studies and her performance whilst she is competing at the top level.”

Programme Leader (L3 Public Services), Ben Young, said: “Aallisha is a determined young lady who has shown that with determination and hard work anything is possible. Her resilience and motivation towards her training and matches is mirrored in her performance on her course. We wish her all the best from the Public Service team and know she will succeed!”

The timing couldn’t be better for Aallisha as the national team are preparing for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup. This gives her time to impress England coach, Craig Richards and book a place in his squad in what will be the biggest women’s tournament in the history of the sport.

Aallisha is part of the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) which promotes dual careers to student-athletes. The college work with TASS to provide academic support and flexibility to elite athletes balancing studying and competing as well as undertaking a Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE).

If you play women’s rugby and are interested in following Aallisha’s footsteps, please contact Wakefield College - 01924 789111 or Ben Severn- b.severn@wakefield.ac.uk to book a trial for the 2020/21 female Rugby Development Programme and more information.