Former Red Rose Rocky Clark returns to Allianz Stadium with County team
Clark and fellow teammates at Buckinghamshire county will run out at the home of English rugby once again having reached the Gill Burns Division One Women's final.
Clark made her England debut in 2003 and during her 15-year career tallied up a number of titles and accomplishments. She played in four World Cups, including the side that won in 2014, and claimed eight Six Nations titles. In 2016, Clark beat the World Record for most capped rugby player of all time, 137, and she has an MBE for her services to rugby.
The climb to Allianz Stadium
Buckinghamshire hope to put on a performance of a lifetime to win the tournament, having not held the title since 2019. They reached the final in 2023 but were unable to clinch the top spot.
“Our team were absolutely stoked when we found out we were going to play at Allianz Stadium,” said Clark. “Everyone was running around and hugging and jumping on each other. It was so good!
“My county team has got here twice before. I was coaching then, so I am stoked to be able to run out on the home turf again. I’ve done it many times in an England shirt, but to do it for my county, and while being in my 40s, I am truly honoured.”
Opposition
“There’s loads of pressure because we’ve had our sights set on getting to Allianz Stadium. We only narrowly won our first game and have been building on our performance since then, but we need to play at our best for the final,” Clark said.
“We know a lot about our opposition Yorkshire so we know what to expect. They have some very physical players and clever tacticians. We know we can win it, but it’s about us playing at our absolute best to do it. It’s like when I was a Red Rose; we knew we could win the World Cup final, but you’ve got to front up and play top rugby.”
Preparations
While Clark has played at Allianz Stadium in different capacities, a handful of this year’s squad also featured in the 2019 and 2023 set-ups, helping prepare the newcomers for what is to come.
“It’s about making sure they’re in the moment and in the game,” said Clark. “They should enjoy the run out, but as soon as they cross that white wash, it’s time to do their job, stick to the process and get through the first five minutes.
“The pitch is massive compared to the grounds we’ve played on, so we’re going to be utilising that space, and change tactically to fill it. It’s also loud, so calls are hard to hear. So it’s about getting them to enjoy the experience but also be in the moment.
Marking the occasion
“We have loads of people coming to watch us, including a big Buckingham bus, the Steels fitness group and others from Bedford, so will be a big occasion.
“When you can hear the crowd chanting your name or the roar when you score, it raises you up. Having had the experience of both small and big crowds, fans and spectators make all the difference and the occasion even better.”
