England rugby union international Liz Crake returns to Bishop’s Stortford for girls’ and women’s coaching

England international Liz Crake returned to Bishop’s Stortford for a special one-off coaching session on Sunday (November 17).

Crake, who played at Silver Leys when she was a youngster, visited the club to spend time helping the women’s and girls’ sections.

The former Hockerill Anglo-European College and All Saints primary pupil helped put the players through their paces.

Crake was delighted to be “back home” and told the Indie: “My own rugby journey started right here in Stortford. It really was quite special to come back to help with these training sessions.

“Hopefully there will be somebody here at Silver Leys today who will go on to represent England.

“It’s fantastic the way the club has embraced women’s and girls’ rugby. I’d like to pay tribute to all those involved behind the scenes who help make this happen.”

The prop, whose family home is on the Parsonage Estate, was at Silver Leys as part of a Red Roses campaign to give something back to fans and communities that have supported them.

Kate Hawkins, chair of women’s and girls’ rugby at Stortford, said: “We can’t thank Liz enough for giving up her time to help us.

“She really is one of our own and a great role model for the girls and women of 2024.

“It was a fantastic opportunity for all our players, particularly our youngsters, to learn from an England international.

“We’re really proud that girls’ and women’s rugby is thriving here in Stortford. Thanks to all our coaches for their hard work.”