Teesside graduate gunning for six nations success

A graduate who played rugby for the first time while at Teesside University is now proudly flying the flag for her country in the Six Nations championships.

Sophie Spence, 25, has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the top and is now a key member of the Ireland women’s rugby team.

She scored the first try in Ireland’s first game in the Six Nations – a narrow 12-10 victory over Wales – and is now looking forward to taking on England at Ashbourne on Saturday.

Sophie, who lives in South Shields, studied BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise (Coaching Science) at Teesside University before going on to complete her MSc Sport Psychology, also at Teesside.

She now works as a Sports Tutor at Hartlepool Sixth Form College.

'I hadn’t played rugby before I came to Teesside University, but as well as the course, the social side of being a student was fantastic and I was able to try all kinds of different things,' explained Sophie.

'Rugby just seemed to come naturally and I progressed very quickly. I started out playing for the University team and was asked to play at an Irish exiles training camp – from there I was chosen for the national team.

'Representing my country is the best feeling in the world. I was so proud to score the first try against Wales. Rugby is such an intense, physical sport, it’s something I enjoy so much and I am glad I was able to start this journey at Teesside University.'

Sophie is hoping for a second victory in the Six Nations against England on Saturday but knows it will be another tough match.

She added: 'Playing against England will be a fantastic occasion. Hopefully we can build on our performance and come out on top.'

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The match between Ireland and England will be streamed live on the official Irish rugby website