Alex Matthews reached her 40th cap playing at HQ this Saturday as England fought back from half time to remain No.1 in the world rankings. Although Twickenham stadium remains closed for spectators, supporters of rugby were able to cheer on the Red Roses as it was broadcast live on BBC 2 for the second time in two weekends.

In a nail biting final 15 minutes, the entire bench took to the pitch, a penalty kick from Emily Scarratt as the clock went red gave England the win 25-23, a sharp contrast to the previous weeks match England winning 33 -10 with Matthews adding to the try tally. All good practise as both teams have been drawn into Pool C for the RWC2021 in New Zealand. This will be the first time the Rugby World Cup has been played outside of the Northern Hemisphere, preparations have started as the pools were drawn this week.

Alex’s call up to return to 15s was a bitter sweet opportunity to have the best of both world. The RFU cut all funding to the Englands 7s programme earlier this year of which Alex was a professional contracted 7s player following the last World Cup 2017. Transitioning from a full time 7s career to the structure of 15s has taken a bit of time to get used to, although Alex has said that the structure has helped though lockdown to remain focused and positive. When Alex and her fellow squad members were made redundant, with no job, Alex and partner took to the road in their camper van and whilst visiting family in the Forest of Dean the rugby grapevine started buzzing. Jo Yapp, Worcester Warriors coach was quick to offer Alex a place with the Premiership club

This isn’t the only new venture for Alex. When Alex was asked at junior school what she would like to be when she grew up, her answer was a convincing ‘ my dream is to be a professional rugby player”.

Alex along with her sister Fran, also an England International, both kicked off their rugby career here at Camberley RFC. Alex fondly recalls her playing roots “Bob Jones my Camberley coach taught me everything I known” In the spirit of giving back Alex is at the helm of launching Didi rugby at Worcester in December

With no rugby 7s, a recall to England and a career change, rugby has taken Alex down a new path for 2020. With a vision for more girls rugby in schools and giving equal coverage on mainstream television to the womens game as there is for the men, Alex is an inspiration to all female athletes in the world of rugby and a proud ambassador for Camberley RFC.