Red Roses debuts worth the wait for Robinson & Shekells after Six Nations win
The Red Roses’ Six Nations win over Italy saw scrum half Flo Robinson and centre Jade Shekells make their international debuts. For both players, the special day has been a long time coming, but for different reasons.
Speaking in the latest episode of O2 Inside Line: All In, Robinson explains how her plans to run out for her first Red Roses appearance in 2021 were curtailed by technical issues in the stadium.
She said: “I was meant to get my first cap off the bench against France during the 2021 Six Nations, but 63 minutes into the game, all the lights went out in the ground! It was all very strange, and no one knew what was going on, so we just ran back into the changing rooms. We didn’t know if we were going back out or not.
“Because over 60 minutes had been played, the result stood, which meant me and Merryn Doidge didn’t get on the pitch.
“I was 19 and hadn’t played very much in the Premiership, so it might have been for the best!”
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Four years down the line, Robinson has returned to the Red Roses squad and was thrilled to finally cross the whitewash on Sunday with her loved ones looking on.
She said: “Kick-off was at 3pm, so the lights couldn’t go out this time! I felt a big mixture of nerves and excitement, but I suppose that’s to be expected.
“My family came up, and it was really nice to have them there. I was mostly just excited to get out and give it a crack.”
Joining Robinson for her first cap was Gloucester-Hartpury and GB Sevens star Shekells. Although the 28-year-old was initially nervous to be joining the squad, she praised the welcoming environment created by her teammates and said she was soon able to relax and focus on her game.
“My first day in camp, I felt like it was my first day out school – I was super nervous! But I know a few of the girls already, and everyone else has been lovely.
“They’re very welcoming and helpful, and made me feel very at ease,” said Shekells.
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Despite the significance of the occasion, Shekells said she was focused on enjoying the moment and remembering why she plays the game.
“To be part of the Red Roses is something special and I want to do it justice, but ultimately it’s just rugby, which I love to play, so I was just super excited to be involved.
“We try and learn to embrace the pressure. Pressure is a privilege, and I’m very privileged to be here.”
