A member of the England women's Rugby squad sat down with the Richmond & Twickenham Times during the Six Nations tournament.

26-Year-old Leanne Riley, who also plays for Harlequins Ladies, started playing rugby with her sister when she was just ten-years-old.

In 2019, the England women’s team were undefeated in the Six Nations, taking the grand slam title.

When asked about whether her team would be able to repeat last year's success, Ms Riley said: "Yes. We have put ourselves in a good position, we are really excited and have worked really hard.

"It is an exciting time, though we had a tough time away playing against France.

"You never want to be the team that loses - and everyone goes out and enjoys themselves.

"We play rugby because we love the sport and it's amazing to play along with your best people - yes we are playing for our country but, at the same time we are very competitive."

The women's team will be playing at the Twickenham Stoop on March 7, as they aim to draw a record crowd following a sold-out match last weekend in Doncaster.

Her test debut in the 15-a-side format came in 2013 against South Africa, having previously been part of the winning squad in the 2012 Rugby Sevens Women's Challenge Cup.

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Then in 2017, she won the Women’s Premiership in 2017 with Aylesford Bulls Ladies.

Ms Riley was offered a full-time England contract in January 2019, and also featured in four of England's games as they won the Women's Six Nations Grand Slam.

She said she loves the competitiveness as well as the physicality of the sport and the fact that the sport gives her confidence.

In June 2019, she was named in the Red Roses Super Series squad, featured in all 2019 autumn tests and was selected for the 2020 Women’s Six Nations squad.

Ms Riley added: "I enjoy and love to see fans coming to the sport as its good to break down barriers and perception.

"Its exciting to see where it can go and how far we [England Women's Rugby Team] have come.

"I think Rugby is about having the confidence to step on a pitch express yourself.

"It's not for everyone but I would tell young girls who are curious about rugby to be themselves, listen to their coaches and to get a grip of the game."

The Twickenham Stoop game will give fans a chance to see Emily Scarratt in action, England's record points scorer and 2019 World Rugby player of the year.

Support the Red Roses as they look to secure back-to-back Six Nations Grand Slam titles against Wales at The Twickenham Stoop, home of Harlequins on Saturday 7th March, kick off 12:05.

Tickets cost just £15 for adults and £5 for children, visit englandrugby.com/tickets.