EMILY Rudge says it will be an amazing experience to represent her country at her hometown stadium later today.
The 29-year-old PE teacher will be captain of the England Women team that faces Wales at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, kick-off 5.30pm, as preparations for this autumn’s Rugby League World Cup intensify.
She is joined in the squad by two St Helens teammates – Jodie Cunningham and Tara Jones - who also hail from Warrington and are said to be similarly excited to be playing on the highest stage live on Sky Sports in their home town.
England Women Warringtonians Jodie Cunningham, above, and Tara Jones in training with the squad at the weekend. Pictures: SWpix.com
“I’m really looking forward to the game. I can’t wait for it,” said 22-cap back-rower Rudge, one of eight Saints players in Craig Richards’ England squad who recently triumphed in the Betfred Challenge Cup.
“I have played at The Halliwell Jones Stadium before. We did an Origin Series there a couple of years ago, but this will be the first time for England Women and with being from Warrington it is extra special.
“Myself and all my family were absolutely buzzing when it was announced to be at The Halliwell Jones. They’re regular Warrington Wolves fans, so it’s going to be brilliant for them to see me play there and with crowds too. So it’s amazing.”
It will be England’s first international match since two Tests in Papua New Guinea in 2019, which immediately followed the World Cup Nines in Australia.
Emily Rudge scoring for England against PNG in the World Cup Nines in Sydney two years ago. Picture: SWpix.com
That was when Rudge was handed the captaincy, though she carried the role at Cardinal Newman High School where, alongside her good friend, Saints teammate and RLWC2021 ambassador Cunningham, national titles were won four years in a row.
Back in the day, Emily Rudge lifting the Powergen Champion Schools silverware for Cardinal Newman High School
The pair went on to enjoy four Challenge Cup Final successes and a European champions title while at Thatto Heath Crusaders before transitioning to the Saints side for the arrival of the Women’s Super League in 2019.
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