Connie Powell is relishing the opportunity to be part of the England Women Under-20s rugby squad for this month’s tour of Canada alongside two familiar Hartpury faces.

The Level Three Extended Diploma Sport student will be playing alongside fellow students and Gloucester-Hartpury team-mates, Tabitha Copson and Jessica Cooksey, for the three-match series, which kicked off in Wolfville last Friday.

Connie said the decision to study at Hartpury, where she can combine education with playing top-level rugby, had been a significant factor in her progress.

Connie said:?“Hartpury has been a great place to achieve that because you have girls who are in the same situation, pushing each other on.”

The past year has proved to be an exciting one after Gloucester-Hartpury made their bow in the top flight and made the end-of-season play-offs.

Connie added: “To be able to play in the Tyrrells Premier 15s for Gloucester-Hartpury last season was something I wouldn’t have thought possible a couple of years ago, but the women’s game has really taken off and to be part of it is so exciting.

“Our goal last year was to be top four, and we achieved that. But the challenge next season is to push on, equal that achievement at least and try and finish even higher.

But the next challenge ahead is the tour of Canada, and Connie admits that her two biggest supporters will be cheering her on.

She said:?“I went to Japan last year with the AASE girls and it was such a great experience going away with a squad. It’s such a privilege to tour with girls that you’ve worked hard with, to go away and test yourself against girls who have worked equally as hard.

“It’s actually going to be an experience for my family as well because my mum and dad, who both been so supportive of me, are both coming out to watch.”

And, despite being relatively young still, Connie is fully aware that the likes of herself and Tabitha are already role models.

She said: “It’s very much about creating an era here, a dynasty if you like. Young girls are coming to Hartpury, and part of our responsibilities is helping them to achieve their potential.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.