Training with England's women

"How many winners?" The England team were very welcoming

England's women's rugby team are currently in action at the World Cup in Edmonton.

But before the squad flew off to Canada, they found time to have a bit of fun with two Sport Academy competition winners at a training session at Loughborough University.

And Tracey Lee and Anna Jones will certainly not be forgetting their experiences in a hurry.

Anna Jones

Forget your stereotypical imagine of a female rugby player. It could not be further from the truth.

These are dedicated women who train at least three times a week, go to the gym another four times, play for their clubs, some for their university teams while holding down a full-time job or studying!

And a couple even have kids! I was more than impressed.

I am in awe and have suddenly found the inspiration to stop smoking and try to up my game Anna Jones

Being able to hold your own against Loughborough first men's team is something that few men's teams around Britain are able to do, but a woman's team? Heaven forbid.

Well, that is exactly what I witnessed.

Coach Gary Street, who very graciously held our hands throughout the day, spoke with real pride about his team.

The warm-up session left Tracey and I clambering for the sidelines, where we watched the backs run lines against the men's backs, a sight that was like something from a men's international.

And watching the forwards scrum and line-out against the men was also in a league of its own.

There is no other women's team in the country who could scrum against these ladies. They would ruin them.

England will be hoping to add the World Cup to their Six Nations success

I thoroughly enjoyed my day out and only wish I could be half the rugby player these women are.

I am in awe and have suddenly found the inspiration to stop smoking (which I never previously thought possible) and try to up my game. These women are who we female rugby players want to be.

I know I will be glued to my computer screen during the World Cup. Come on England!

Anyone need a team Mascot?

Tracey Lee

I arrived in time to meet the squad as they were having lunch.

They were not the Amazon women I had imagined but a group of relatively ordinary women with an awesome commitment to rugby.

The line-out was a particularly awesome sight to see

After some ball-handling tuition with coach Gary Street, some of the squad joined us for some three-on-two defensive and attacking moves before progressing onto line-outs and kicking practice.

At 3.30pm the whole squad met on the pitch for a "warm-up", which preceded a training session with Loughborough men's first team!

I took full part in their warm-up and was encouraged throughout. It was great to train with the women and talk about their lives and the forthcoming World Cup.

When they commenced scrum practice against the men I was only too happy to stand and watch!

Although they were never going to beat the men because of the significant weight ratio difference, their technique was awesome.

I had a fantastic day and I wish the England team all the best in their World Cup challenge.