Powerpoint presentations are not meant to be memorable but Charlotte Clapp will never forget the one she saw on Wednesday. It took place during an England Women’s team meeting before their first autumn international of the year, against France on Saturday evening, and on one slide was the starting XV – Clapp had been chosen to make her international debut.
“It came as a surprise,” the 20-year-old said. “I was hoping I might get a shirt for the bench, I certainly didn’t expect to get a starting one. It was a fantastic moment and it was so nice to have my team-mates and friends around me when I found out.”
Clapp’s rise to the England team should not come as surprise to anyone given the steady progress the winger has made since joining Saracens from her hometown team, Welwyn, three years ago. In that time she has represented England at Under-20 level, has been called up to train with the senior squad during their most recent Six Nations campaign and summer tour and was selected for the autumn international squad. As Clapp puts it, her career has been a “work in progress”.
Now comes the real test as England travel to Paris to face a France team that beat them 21-15 during the Six Nations eight months ago. The visitors’ sole debutant is in no doubt of the challenge that lies ahead. “France are a really physical team, so we will need to play to our strengths and stay really strong,” Clapp said. “From a personal point of view it will be a case of keeping busy in the morning and switching on in the evening. I definitely feel ready for this opportunity and cannot wait to represent my country.”
Clapp comes into an experienced side, with six of the players who steered England to World Cup glory last year named to start by head coach Simon Middleton. Sarah Hunter is captain with Rochelle Clarke, Ceri Large, Tamara Taylor, Laura Keates and Marlie Packer also all involved.
“We are concentrating on ourselves,” Middleton said. “France are very similar to us in that they have a sevens team in the Olympics so a lot of their backs will be absent which means they’ll look to pressure us up front, but we want to play our game. One that’s between backs and forwards, dynamic in the tight and with movement and pace in the backs, which should produce some attacking rugby.”
Clapp could play a pivotal role in England causing worry within the opposition ranks and she will no doubt be roared on by her parents Mick and Debbie, who have travelled to Paris.
“I’m so glad they’ll be there, but we don’t have any plans to celebrate afterwards,” Clapp said. “We have another week of camp to come ahead of next week’s match against Ireland. It’ll be a case of enjoying the moment and immediately getting down to more hard work.”
France v England kicks off at 8pm and is live on Sky Sports 4 via the red button
