Shaunagh Brown, the former England prop, has made a surprising return from retirement and is set to join Harlequins, a Premiership Women’s Rugby club, for the upcoming season.
The 33-year-old made the decision to leave the sport in December but has now opted to resume her playing career.
During her time on the field, she achieved remarkable accomplishments, including 30 caps for the Red Roses, triumphing in the Six Nations on four occasions, and securing a league title with Harlequins. In addition to her playing commitments,
Brown will also take on a coaching role within the London-based club, showcasing her expertise in both spheres.
Commenting on her return, Brown said: “Harlequins has always been my rugby heart. I see where the game is heading and feel like I still have more to offer, so the opportunity to come back and show that, was one I couldn’t turn down.
“The flame inside me has been firmly reignited and I can’t wait to come out fighting for Quins in the new era of women’s rugby.”
Harlequins Head Coach Amy Turner, said: “Shaunagh has been central to many of this team’s greatest moments. She has been a role model for women not just in rugby but across sport and will continue to be an asset to the Club.
“On the pitch we know the physicality she will bring to us, and having had some time coaching we’re excited to see how she has developed as a leader. Alongside players like Jade (Konkel) and Emily (Scott), we’re looking forward to seeing the impact these experienced heads will have on our younger squad members.”
Best England Players to NEVER play at the Rugby World Cup
- Danny Cipriani
Narrowly missing out on three Rugby World Cups, Danny Cipriani is one player who England fans believed should have had many more caps for his country.
16 appearances whilst wearing the Red Rose is not a bad international record, yet Cipriani was overlooked throughout his career. The versatile back missed the grade for the 2007 Rugby World Cup, even after spending the previous Summer in the England training camp.
Predominantly a fly half, but able to excel at full back, Cipriani was unable to surpass Jonny Wilkinson for the 10 jersey, yet was not given the opportunity to play at 15.
Cipriani’s England debut was surrounded with off-field controversy, as he was photographed leaving a nightclub just two days prior to the match. Injury halted his momentum to build towards the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and Cipriani subsequently missed out on the 2015 squad.
An unbelievable talent on the pitch, Cipriani’s off-field controversies certainly halted his international career.