It’s been a year of opportunity for budding red rose Lilly.
Selected for the Under 18 Player Development Group (PDG), she has represented the North East centre in three games and scooped a place on the England Under 18 women’s key development camp.
“The experience has been amazing,” says Lilly whose sights are ultimately set on a place in the Women’s England Rugby Union squad.
As part of the pathway, she adds: “I have had lots of support, helping me to develop as a player both on and off the pitch.”
We caught up with the Bede ISE Rugby Academy student as the 2025/26 PDG season draws to a close.
The 16-year-old is already planning her next steps with further trials at the end of the summer to secure her next year with the Under 18s PDG.
The PDG is aligned with England Rugby to develop players aged 16 to 18 and Lilly clearly has a talent that stands out.
She was previously part of the Under 16 Player Development Group and has continued to develop in both her love and skill for the sport.
Playing rugby since she was seven, she follows in her family’s footsteps.
Watching her brother play, she says: “I always liked the idea of it and always wanted to give it a try.”
Starting out at Hartlepool Rovers, Lilly, moved to Billingham Rugby Club at 13 and has been with them ever since.
Looking back, she remembers missing out on a place in the PDG U16s first time round, but it gave her the drive to work even harder. The effort paid off on the second attempt.
When it came to trials for the Under 18s, she was right on form and secured her position in the face of fierce competition.
Receiving the email in college to tell her she was successful, she says: “I felt really proud because I had put so much work in. I was relieved.”
The PDG U18 is split into nine centres made up of approximately 30 players. The North East centre is made up of Northumberland, Durham and Cumbria.
Early this year, Lilly went on to be among 48 RFU PDG players selected from all the centres to take part in a three-day England U18 Women’s rugby development camp at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre.
She gained further game time at the 2026 RFU Girls’ Player Development Group Festival last month (April 2026).
A flanker, she says: “The England camp was an excellent experience as I had next level coaches teaching me new skills and I was also able to perform and play against a higher level, challenging my abilities in both games and training.”
Now hoping to secure her place in the PDG next year, Lilly admits it takes hard work and determination.
Studying sport and exercise science, she tells us she chose Bede Sixth Form College for the support they can offer young athletes in their sport, alongside their education.
Lucky for her, she adds: “I like to constantly be doing something and rugby is my passion. I like the thought of running out on a Sunday morning.”
Good luck to Lilly as she continues her journey on the England Rugby Women’s Pathway!
