Former Ellingham & Ringwood player Poppy Cleall up for World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year award

BURGATE’S Poppy Cleall, who learned to play rugby at Ellingham & Ringwood, has been nominated for the World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year award.

The England and Saracens forward has been one of the Red Roses’ most consistent payers, and her performances at last year’s Women’s Six Nations earned her the Player of the Championship gong.

Cleall is nominated for the accolade in a public vote with fellow Red Roses player Zoe Aldcroft, and France’s Caroline Boujard and Laure Sansus.

The England women’s team is the number one ranked side in the world, and they recently hammered world champions New Zealand 56-15. In the match, the 29-year-old played a pivotal role and captained her country for the first time.

Cleall is the current England player of the year and is the leading all-time Premiership try-scorer.

The former prison officer, who spent three years working with violent young offenders in South London, took up rugby alongside twin sister Bryony, aged six.

Bryony is also an England international and plays for Saracens.

To vote, visit world.rugby/tournaments/awards/fan-vote