England Red Rose star Lilli Ives Campion makes inspiring Telford Hornets return
Shropshire England rugby star Lilli Ives Campion returned to her roots at Telford Hornets to inspire the next generation of girls in rugby.
Ives Campion, who is from Shrewsbury, plays her professional club rugby for Loughborough Lightning and made her debut for the England side against France in September.
The 21-year-old second row spent her formative years with Hornets at Hinkshay Road from the age of 13, having first picked up a rugby ball with the grassroots club having been persuaded along by a friend.
She moved to professional outfit Lightning four years later and has since made more than 50 appearances for the African Violets. As one of the countries' highest-rated talents she also captained England under-20s this year.
Now she is in line to be involved in the sport's showpiece next year, the Women's Rugby World Cup, hosted in England.
Ives Campion was hailed as a "role model" by Neil Thomas, chairman at the Hornets, upon coaching and speaking to youngsters in the under-12s, under-14s and under-16s teams on her return to the club this week.
“‘Lilli started to play rugby at Telford Hornets in January 2017 when she was coerced by her friend, Izzy Maguire Evans, to have a run out," Thomas said.
"From this moment Lilli fell in love with the game and started to take it a bit more seriously. Lilli is a true inspiration to all players, that if you want to succeed you have to work hard and, in some cases, relocate, as Lilli did when she went to Loughborough at the age of 16."
England's Red Roses have warmed up for the World Cup, between next August and September, with two impressive wins over New Zealand.
It is hoped the tournament can shine a spotlight on women's rugby and create greater support for female athletes. Ives Campion insists she owes so much to Telford Hornets.
The England star said: “There are a lot of people at Telford Hornets who have played a key role in my journey to becoming a Red Rose, it’s so important to remember where you have come from and to give back to your local community where you can.
"Seeing so many young girls here today makes me appreciate how much potential there is for the future of the women’s game. I hope these young girls will be inspired by the fantastic spectacle that 2025 is set to be.”
