ENGLAND Women’s victory over France at The Halliwell Jones Stadium will have been a particularly proud moment for three of England’s players.
Skipper Emily Rudge and teammates Jodie Cunningham and Tara Jones all hail from Warrington and got the chance to represent their country in their home town.
And Rudge was able to cap the occasion by lifting the trophy as England ran out 36-10 winners.
Emily Rudge leads England out at The Halliwell Jones Stadium
She started in the second row, with fellow former Cardinal Newman High School student Cunningham at loose forward while Jones, who hails from Penketh, started the game at hooker.
Jodie Cunningham in action
Tara Jones scans from dummy-half
All three play their club rugby for reigning Betfred Women’s Super League and Challenge Cup holders St Helens.
Their Saints teammate Amy Hardcastle scored two of England's tries, with Leeds Rhinos' Georgia Roche also crossing twice.
Hollie Dodd, Caitlin Beevers and Fran Goldthorp completed the scoring for the hosts, with France's tries coming from Cristina Song Puche and Fanny Ramos.
Tara Jones, left, and Jodie Cunningham, centre, celebrate with their St Helens teammate Amy Hardcastle
All pictures by SWPix.com
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