ROWAN White has been playing rugby ever since she can remember and now she has the opportunity to play on the sport’s world stage.

The 17-year-old full back has been selected for the England Under 20 trials at Birmingham Exiles on May 23.

White, from Great Milton, plays for Reading under 18s, having started in Oxford Harlequins’ under 7 team, before moving to Wallingford when she was 12.

She has also been a part of the England Talent Development Group for three years.

White, who also coaches at Quins in her spare time, is thrilled to get the chance to play her way into the international set-up.

“I am really excited, it is massive,” she said.

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“I have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time.

“Regardless of the outcome, I have got another three years to get in the team.”

The popularity of women’s rugby is growing, with England winning last year’s World Cup, while Oxford University will play their Varsity match against Cambridge at Twickenham on the same day as the men for the first time later this year.

White added: “What is really exciting is to see the players coming through at grass roots rugby.

“The youngest of the girls at Quins is seven and her love of rugby is amazing.”

She continued: “The game is growing so much and our squads at this level will be stronger because of it.”

Another Oxford Harlequins junior is also making waves on the international scene.

Sam Sibley, who also started playing at the age of seven, has been selected for the England under 18 touch rugby squad.

Quins’ minis and juniors secretary Stuart Wells said: “When kids arrive at Oxford Harlequins at age five or six we often hear their coaches saying ‘one day you could play for England’.

“Rowan and Sam have proven that these are not just idle words and it’s incredibly exciting to see they have now joined the select ranks of those who have been chosen to represent their country.”

A proud Wells continued: “I couldn’t think of better ambassadors for the club.

“Rowan is an inspiration to all the players and coaches, she is engaging, modest and her enthusiasm is infectious.

“Sam has been a popular member of Oxford Harlequins for years and it’s no surprise to us that his talent has now been picked up by the England touch team.”