Eighteen-year-old fullback Solana Shaw de Leon made an immediate impact on the international stage, scoring a hat-trick on her England U21 debut against Scotland.
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England’s emphatic 51–12 victory at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh marked the opening fixture of the Women’s Six Nations U21 Series and showcased Shaw de Leon’s finishing ability.
However, momentum shifted in their second outing, as Ireland claimed a dramatic and historic 41–40 win in a thrilling 13-try encounter.
Reflecting on her standout debut performance against Scotland, Shaw de Leon was quick to highlight the role of her teammates in creating opportunities.
“Credit to the girls, putting me in space and I was just the one to finish it off, but we just worked well as a team, we were able to move the ball really well and I was just in the right place at the right time to finish it off.”
The transition from U18 to U21 rugby has been another key step in her development. Shaw de Leon described a positive environment within the squad, alongside the increased demands of the higher age grade.
“It’s been good, the vibe is really good with everyone, everyone gets along which always makes things a lot easier.”
“The pace of the game is a lot quicker, technically and physically. It gets pumped up a level but I feel a bit more comfortable at 20s than I did at 18s.”
She also noted how experience within the squad helps ease the transition compared to earlier age groups.
“Everyone else makes it easier because they’ve been through it, whereas at 18s, it’s everyone’s first experience. Coming up to 21s, people know how you’re feeling.”
At club level, Shaw de Leon represents Harlequins, where she has the opportunity to learn from England star and world-class fullback Ellie Kildunne. Training alongside such an accomplished player has been invaluable to her growth.
“I’ve definitely learned a lot from her, even just watching her train and play and being in the same environment is really beneficial to me. Things she’ll do that I can implement into my game as well.”
Facing Kildunne in training has also sharpened her defensive awareness and adaptability.
“Defending her, you never know what she’s going to do. She might kick, she might run, she might pass, you don’t know so it’s about just becoming more deceptive.”
Despite the challenge, Shaw de Leon approaches the experience with a pragmatic mindset.
“You kind of get used to it, at the end of the day, you’re teammates so you’ve just got to get on with it.”
With a memorable debut already behind her and valuable mentorship at club level, University of Surrey student Shaw de Leon appears well-positioned to continue her progression through England’s ranks.
