TADLEY rugby star Abbie Parsons enjoyed the highlight of her career so far last Saturday, when she captained England Under-20s.

She was unable to lead her side to victory, the hosts going down 10-5 to visiting France at Esher RFC, but it was still an immensely proud day for the 19-year-old.

“I have been a member of the leadership group for a while but I did not expect to captain the side at all,” she said. “It was a massive honour to be named captain and I was really proud.

“It was mad to lead the team out. All of my family were there and it was just phenomenal. I’ve never experienced anything like it before.

“I did not want the game to end. It was probably one of the last games I will play for the under-20s, so it was extra-special to captain the side.”

Parsons started the game at prop and was joined in the team by her close friend Devon Holt. The pair have known each other for several years, having started playing rugby at Aldermaston RFC before moving on to Reading. They are both students at Hartpury College and play their club rugby for Bristol.

Holt, who is also 19, started Saturday’s game on the wing and was England’s try-scorer, outpacing the French defence to touch down and give the hosts a 5-0 lead at half-time.

France hit back after the break, crossing the line twice to claim the win, but it was a much-improved performance from England, who had lost the reverse fixture 25-0 earlier in the month.

Parsons added: “It was tough to lose but we really improved from the first game against them earlier in the month. It was a really strong performance and we were far happier.”

Both Parsons and Holt will move up to the senior ranks at the end of the season – and Parsons has her sights set on claiming a place in the full England team.

“My end goal is to break into the senior England squad, but whether that will take me a year or four years, I’m not sure,” she said. “I just need to keep developing and see where it takes me.

“I have really enjoyed playing for the under-20s. It’s been a real learning curve and great experience that will definitely help me as I try to move up the ranks.”