Two University of Chichester alumni were part of the England team that came within five points of winning the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final at the weekend.
Emma Croker (nee Layland, Physical Education QTS, 2005) and Claire Purdy (Sports Studies and Sports Development, 2001) both played in the final and featured regularly during the tournament which was held in England between 20 August and 5 September. During the group stages, England saw off the challenge of Ireland, Kazakhstan and USA before booking their place in the final by beating Australia.
However, the strength of New Zealand was too much to overcome, and despite a spirited performance, they went down 13-10, giving New Zealand their fourth title.
Emma plays her club rugby with Richmond, but her sporting achievements are not restricted to the rugby field. She is hoping to represent Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics in weightlifting, and will be going for gold after becoming the England weightlifting champion last year.
Claire is also no stranger to sporting success either, having represented Surrey and West Sussex Under 21s at stoolball. Claire also has a notable mentor to turn to when it comes to handling success - her father was an international canoeist, representing Great Britain and England in the C2 slalom and white water.
Dr Sarah Gilroy, Executive Dean at the University of Chichester, said: “We’re extremely proud of Emma and Claire and their achievements during the tournament. They both took up the game while studying at the University, so I’m glad that from the opportunities we were able to offer them, it has led to great success for them. Emma and Claire are an inspiration to others, and goes to show that it’s never too late to take up a new sport.
“Women’s rugby continues to be one of our most successful sporting teams at the University. Our team is now established in the Premiership South, having been there for the past four seasons. Three years ago, the side also reached the championship semi-final, one game away from a Twickenham final.”
Sid Fletcher, Sports Development Manager for the University of Chichester Students’ Union, added: “I’m delighted with the success that both Emma and Claire have had since leaving the University. It could have been a different story for Emma, as she joined the University as a netball player. However, she was converted to rugby and became captain and coach of the side in her final year, which saw her lead the team to the final of the British Universities tournament.”
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