Rachel Burford

A six-year-old early starter at Medway RFC, Rachael Burford comes from a rugby loving family. Her mother, father, sister and brother all played the game with dad Michael being her mentor along the way to honours that include England U19, Academy, Sevens and Seniors, for whom she has won 29 caps and scored five tries, including a long range one in the 2010 WRWC match against Kazakhstan.

Her accolades include captaining England Sevens and being vice captain at national 15-a-side level in 2007-08. Dubai is home from home for Rachael, who has played there five times for club and country. It qualifies as her favourite ground and also the place where she relished her most memorable tournament in the 2009 World Cup.

Medway-born, she has also been to South Africa, Canada, France, Amsterdam, Rome and Kinsale, illustrating the global qualities of the women’s game. Born in Chatham, Rachael began her education at Lordswood Junior School and Thomas Aveling School, both in Kent.

Her qualifications feature a National Diploma in Sports Massage and she is a Level One coach and Level Two fitness instructor. Rachael’s working roles have been as a part time personal trainer in the City of London and part time nanny in Twickenham but after the World Cup she took up an appointment as an RFU Community Rugby Coach for Kent. Rachael was also appointed as Medway Ladies coach this season.

Four clubs have benefited from her skills, starting with Medway from 1992-2003, followed by Henley until 2005, with Saracens next up from 2006-09. She joined Richmond this year.

Statistics
Squad: Richmond
Position: Centre
Age: 24
Height :1.65m (5'5")
Weight: 70kg (11st 0lb)
Caps :29