Red Roses prop Vickii Cornborough has called time on her illustrious international career, which has seen her represent England 75 times. Cornborough featured for England throughout the age grade pathway, and progressed up the U19 and U20 ranks before her senior call-up in 2015.
Cornborough became the 198th Red Rose at the time of her debut, which saw her take the field against Home Nations rival Wales. The front row went on to be part of six Six Nations winning sides, which included five Grand Slams. Cornborough also started two Rugby World Cup finals and was awarded Player of the Match in two Red Roses outings at Twickenham. In total, she played her part in 63 England wins, and scored four tries.
As vice-chair of the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA), Cornborough was influential in creating the RFU’s maternity policy. A pioneer for rugby mothers, Cornoborough pushed for what she described as a ‘game changing moment’ over the past year. She has given a lot to the game in a decade as an England player and is committed to giving back to aspiring Red Roses in the future.
Cornborough said: “It has been an emotionally tough decision to confirm my international retirement but it’s one that is right for my family and I, personally and professionally.
“I’m proud to have played for my country 75 times, won Six Nations titles and played at two Rugby World Cups. It’s been a dream. I have given everything to the Red Roses shirt and being the best player I can be.
“Becoming a mother has been one of the best things to ever happen in my life. It’s also an incredibly difficult and demanding job. I’ll be forever grateful for the support England and Harlequins have given me over the past year. It’s great we have made such positive strides to now be talking about, and supporting, women in rugby having children.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the next wave of Red Roses come through and I’m committed to aiding the off-field development of young players where I can. In the meantime, I’ll be supporting from afar!”
Red Roses Forwards Coach Louis Deacon paid tribute to Cornborough, saying: “Earning 75 caps for your country is an incredible achievement.
“Vickii has been the cornerstone of the Red Roses scrum for the past decade. There was a period where her name was the first name you expected to see on the teamsheet, such was her consistency, professionalism and quality.
“She is an extremely talented, much-loved person who has always put the needs of the team and her teammates first. She will be missed in the Red Roses environment but we know how amazing a mother she will continue to be.
“We wish her and her young family all the very best for the future, and look forward to seeing them all soon.”
Away from the field, Vickii has ‘Braved the Shave’ to support her sister, Sam, who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer last summer.
Over £5,500 has been raised to date with all donations going to Rugby Against Cancer, The Little Princess Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support to help fund further research into this cruel disease.
Vickii said: “We (Vickii and Sam) both love our long locks, but have decided to take the opportunity to take control and turn this into a positive by donating our long hair to The Little Princess Trust, to be made into children’s wigs.”
To hear more about Vickii’s campaign and Sam’s story on the England Rugby website, click here.