FOUR Gloucester-Hartpury players were involved in last week’s England U21 Women’s training camp at Loughborough University as the squad prepared for the upcoming Six Nations.

Lucy Simpson, Ellie Wilson, Molly Bunker and Nikki Davenhill joined head coach LJ Lewis and the wider squad for the four-day session at the Elite Athlete Centre. Simpson and Bunker brought previous U20 experience, while Wilson and Davenhill were looking to make an impact at this level.

The camp focused on intensive skill work, tactical drills and preparation for international competition, with players adapting to the demands of the U21 setup.

Lewis praised the commitment of the squad, highlighting the importance of these sessions in readying players for the tournament: “These camps are vital for developing the team and giving players the chance to experience international-level rugby,” she said.

Simpson, Wilson, Bunker and Davenhill trained alongside other national talents, working on set-piece play, defensive structures and attacking options.

Lewis added that the camp allowed her to see players’ adaptability and decision-making in high-pressure situations: “We want to build a squad that can perform consistently and respond to different game scenarios. The players who impress here will be crucial for the Six Nations this spring.”

England U21 Women are set to return to camp on Friday, February 27, in Bristol, ahead of warm-up fixtures and the full Six Nations schedule, which will be confirmed soon.

For the Gloucester-Hartpury quartet, the sessions offered a clear opportunity to stake a claim for tournament selection and continue their progression at international level.

The club’s presence in the squad underlines its role in nurturing young talent, and the upcoming U21 Six Nations will give Simpson, Wilson, Bunker and Davenhill the chance to test themselves against the best in their age group while representing both Gloucester-Hartpury and England.