Cornborough calls time on Test career
Red Roses prop Vickii Cornborough has announced her retirement from international rugby.
After featuring for England at U19 and U20 level, Cornborough made her senior debut against Wales in 2015, becoming the 198th player to earn a cap for the Red Roses.
She went on to earn 75 caps, was part of six Six Nations-winning sides - including five Grand Slams - started two Rugby World Cup finals and was awarded Player of the Match in two Red Roses matches at Twickenham. In total, she played her part in 63 England wins, scoring four tries.
Cornborough was influential as vice-chair of the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) in creating the RFU’s maternity policy and has benefitted from what she described as a ‘game changing moment’ over the past year.
"It has been an emotionally tough decision to confirm my international retirement but it’s one that is right for my family and I, personally and professionally," she said. "I’m proud to have played for my country 75 times, won Six Nations titles and played at two Rugby World Cups. It’s been a dream. I have given everything to the Red Roses shirt and being the best player I can be.
"Becoming a mother has been one of the best things to ever happen in my life. It’s also an incredibly difficult and demanding job. I’ll be forever grateful for the support England and Harlequins have given me over the past year. It’s great we have made such positive strides to now be talking about, and supporting, women in rugby having children.
"I’m looking forward to seeing the next wave of Red Roses come through and I’m committed to aiding the off-field development of young players where I can. In the meantime, I’ll be supporting from afar."
Away from the field, Vickii has ‘Braved the Shave’ to support her sister, Sam, who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer last summer. Over £5,500 has been raised to date with all donations going to Rugby Against Cancer, The Little Princess Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support to help fund further research into this cruel disease.
Vickii said: "We (Vickii and Sam) both love our long locks, but have decided to take the opportunity to take control and turn this into a positive by donating our long hair to The Little Princess Trust, to be made into children's wigs."
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