CHARLOTTE Keane has become the third girl from the Forest to make it into the full England rugby squad – following in the footsteps of Natasha Hunt and Ceri Large.

Charlotte, from Mitcheldean, has flown out with the England squad to Denver, USA, for the Nations Cup.

The 21-year-old scrum-half – who weighs just 9st 3lbs and is 5ft 3in tall – has been playing rugby since she was 12.

She said: "It was such a shock being picked. This is the goal I've been working so hard towards and it's a big opportunity for me. I'm not a well known player so I've got nothing to lose.

"The reason I became interested in rugby was my dad. He used to play a lot and I would go and watch him on a Saturday."

Charlotte started off playing tag rugby, then joined Hucclecote Rugby Club.

Her game really advanced while she was at Hartpury College, on the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence programme. She then joined Worcester Ladies.

For the full story, read The Forester.