Former Melksham players are U18s European Rugby champs

MELKSHAM Rugby Club has been praised for its part in the development of players following international success of two of its players.

Chantelle Miell and Anna Wolf recently returned from Belgium having played for England U18 7s in a European tournament and retained the title as European Champions for the second year running.

Both girls have trained at Melksham Rugby Club under the guidance of the club’s coaching staff. “I’ve been playing rugby for four years now,” said Anna. “I first started playing at Melksham RFC as a U15 where my head coach Hannah Berrelly, along with Dave Coward and Ricky Siekiera, patiently supported and encouraged my rugby journey every step of the way.”

Robert Holman, whose daughter also plays at Melksham said, “It’s fantastic for both the girls but it also shines a well deserved spotlight on the club.

“The club welcomes girls from all over the county who are talented rugby players but don’t have the facilities that we have.

“The club has a proper structure in place to support and develop players which is brilliant. Gradually girls rugby is being taken seriously, which it definitely should be. I hope everyone at Melksham RFC is very proud of their contribution and continue to support girls’ rugby development.

“Chantelle and Anna will most definitely go very far in professional rugby because they are talented, hardworking and aspirational women.”

Anna, who is from Corsham said, “I love playing rugby at every level, club, county, divisional and beyond. It truly is a game of brain and brawn like no other and to win and achieve alongside your best friends is an indescribable privilege.

“Representing England and singing our national anthem before the final, was truly an honor and has given me a taste of what it could be like to be an England senior. I’ve come away with lots to work on but I’m feeling more motivated than ever to raise my game.”