By Richard Sykes
Women’s rugby union star Bryony Field, who started playing the sport at Huddersfield RUFC aged six, made her debut for England’s senior women’s XV in their 48-15 win over Australia last weekend.
The 25-year-old Saracens hooker came off the bench and scored the fourth of the Red Roses’ eight tries at the CorpAcq Stadium in Manchester.
Bryony has represented England at Under 18 and 20 levels and was thrilled to receive her senior call up from head coach John Mitchell.
After the game she said: “It was unbelievable. I can’t believe it’s actually happened. And, it was good to see all the Huddersfield girls there. It was a really wholesome day.”
Bryony’s journey to international rugby began aged six in Huddersfield RUFC’s Age Grade, in a team coached by her father Jason.
At Under 12 level she moved to West Park Leeds to play girls’ rugby, before continuing her rugby development at Loughborough University.
There, she made over 50 appearances for Loughborough Lightning and left with a Masters in Civil Engineering, before joining Sarries in 2023.
Her first game for the club was against Harlequins in Round 1 of the 2023/24 Allianz Cup, which the Sarries went on to win.
Bryony scored a debut hat-trick, against Harlequins, and starred in every game in the competition. She also scored a try in their 31-17 cup final win over Bristol Bears.
About joining the England camp Bryony said: “It is a huge change but everyone is really friendly and people go out of their way to make you feel welcome.
“The training is a step up, very intensive, which is what you want. It really is a perfect environment.”
In the game Mitchell changed his front row just after half-time and Bryony stepped into the limelight alongside experienced props Maud Muir and Hannah Botterman.
Bryony said: “I was definitely glad that I had Maud and Bots with me. We went on as a little bomb squad and it was cool.
“I was pretty nervous but we hit a good scrum early doors and that was a good win to get under the belt.
“After getting into the game, it’s like riding a bike, it’s natural once you’re in it. You’re just trying to get into a bit of a flow.”
About her try Bryony was modest and said: “I always feel a bit bad with maul tries. Really, it’s a team try.
“Abi Burton basically picked me up and pulled me over the try-line. But I was buzzing, it was good! I didn’t see that coming but I’m one from one now. I’ve got to make it two from two!”
Holly Aitchison led the team out on the occasion of her 50th cap. Bryony said: “Hol led us out which was really special, giving her a little pat and celebrating that. It was nice to have a kind of ‘special day’ buddy.
“I got everything out of the day I wanted. Everyone was so supportive and so excited for me, it was just so lovely and nice. They made it very special for me. I’m so grateful.”
England next host Canada and New Zealand, on September 19 and 26 before embarking on a three-test tour of North America in October.
