Venner's 'rollercoaster ride' back to England squad

Mia Venner running with the ball — Mia Venner has played on the wing and at full-back for Gloucester-Hartpury [Getty Images]

Women's Six Nations: England v Italy

Venue: York Community Stadium Date: Sunday, 23 March Kick-off: 15:00 GMT

Coverage: Watch on BBC Two, iPlayer, BBC Sport website & app; listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Good things come to those who wait.

Aged 17, Gloucester-Hartpury wing Mia Venner came off the bench to win her first England cap in a convincing win over Wales in the 2020 Women's Six Nations.

Venner's talent was clear. Her raw ability, however, needed some honing.

Five years later, the 22-year-old is back in the Red Roses reckoning as a more complete player after starring in Gloucester-Hartpury's third successive Premiership Women's Rugby title win.

A second cap is now within touching distance and would round off a standout season in cherry and white.

"It's been a rollercoaster ride over the past four to five years," Venner told BBC Sport.

"Looking back, I was a child [on my debut], my game was completely different and the women's game was completely different to what it is now.

"My defence is really growing as I've become more experienced, but I've still got a lot to learn."

Speed and footwork were Venner's points of difference. Add on some defensive nous through club experience and a long international career was ahead of her.

Instead, her progress was halted by an anterior cruciate ligament injury in December 2020.

A long break from possible international honours was less of a priority than her toughest challenge, though - regaining a smile on the pitch.

"I was at such a young age and had one of the biggest injuries you can do in rugby," she recalled.

"Physically I came back stronger, but mentally I had to regain the love for rugby again.

"Performing was in the back of my mind and the forefront was trying to get that enjoyment back again. It was a real struggle coming back."

'World Cup would be truly amazing'

Gloucester-Hartpury players celebrate with PWR trophy — Venner (holding trophy) has started all three Premiership Women's Rugby final wins for Gloucester-Hartpury [Getty Images]

After more than a year on the sidelines, Venner returned from her ACL injury and took time to regain top form.

John Mitchell called her into camp during last year's Six Nations and although a cap did not follow, a one-on-one meeting with the England coach helped spur her on to some of her best rugby this season.

Trailing by nine points in Sunday's Premiership Women's Rugby final against Saracens, Venner's dancing feet grabbed a vital try to start a run of 24 unanswered points.

England wing Jessica Breach was one of the defenders beaten by the silky footwork, who alongside Abby Dow and Ellie Kildunne have formed a formidable Red Roses back three.

The trio scored a combined 18 tries in last year's Six Nations, although it is off the field where Venner is learning from her competition.

"I see it more as an opportunity to improve my game by working with the best three in the world," she revealed.

"The amount of work Jess and Abby do off the pitch is something you don't see.

"Their analysis is so in-depth, they are looking at the other team and not just themselves. This morning Abby had about two pages of notes on Italy.

"It is amazing to see and something I am going to have to get into."

Mitchell called up 19-year-old Bristol Bears wing Millie David - who was the joint-leading try-scorer in Premiership Women's Rugby with 17 tries - in the wider Six Nations squad, and capped Loughborough Lightning wing Bo Westcombe-Evans, 22, in October at WXV1.

Venner edged out both young wingers to earn a spot in the Six Nations pool, which may prove to be the difference when it comes to selection for this summer's home Rugby World Cup.

For Venner, however, it is one game at time - and hopefully a second cap in York on Sunday against Italy.

"It is just about being able to maintain form at the minute," she said.

"I am focusing on a Six Nations squad now but a World Cup squad is where everyone wants to be, it is what we work hard for every day.

"It is what you thrive for as a rugby player in order to be the best of the best. To do that, you have to work with the best, it is everyone's aim. It would be truly amazing."

Topics

Thomas Tuchel defends ‘Dad’s Army’ England squad after shock Jordan Henderson recall

New England manager Thomas Tuchel has defended his shock selection of Jordan Henderson and claimed the 34-year-old has a chance of making his World Cup squad. Henderson last played for England in ...
Yahoo Sports - 5d
Borthwick backs England players for Lions squad after rout of Wales

Coach believes many have boosted chances for Australia Borthwick says Maro Itoje is potential Lions captain Steve Borthwick believes several of his England players have enhanced their chances of ...
The Guardian - 3d
Former England player Dele Alli gets sent off after 9 minutes in first soccer match in two years

Dele Alli’s first professional appearance in more than two years lasted just nine minutes before he was sent off. The former England international was shown a straight red card late on in Como’s ...
Yahoo Sports - 3d
Henderson England recall a great move - Pickford

Jordan Henderson's England recall is a "great move" and the 34-year-old brings a "winning mentality" to the squad, says goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Yahoo Sports - 11h
Henderson England recall a great move - Pickford

Jordan Henderson's England recall is a "great move" and the 34-year-old brings a "winning mentality" to the squad, says goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
BBC News - 11h
Ireland and England must avoid Six Nations trap to set up thrilling finale

France, England and Ireland are all in the title hunt on ‘Super Saturday’ – get ready for a rollercoaster ride
Yahoo Sports - 5d
England squad: Three Lions vets Kyle Walker, Jordan Henderson back; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jack Grealish out

Thomas Tuchel's first England roster is not a complete revamp, with many old stalwarts still in trusted spots
CBS Sports - 5d
Rollercoaster ups and downs of closed theme park adored by generations

Oakwood Theme Park has shut down after almost 40 years due to a drop in visitor numbers.
BBC News - Mar. 9
Rashford, Henderson recalled in Tuchel's first England squad

Thomas Tuchel said Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson are contenders for England's 2026 World Cup squad after earning recalls in his first squad on Friday."Everyone who's with us on this journey ...
Yahoo Sports - 5d

Venner's 'rollercoaster ride' back to England squad

'World Cup would be truly amazing'

Topics

Related

Thomas Tuchel defends ‘Dad’s Army’ England squad after shock Jordan Henderson recall

Borthwick backs England players for Lions squad after rout of Wales

Former England player Dele Alli gets sent off after 9 minutes in first soccer match in two years

Henderson England recall a great move - Pickford

Henderson England recall a great move - Pickford

Ireland and England must avoid Six Nations trap to set up thrilling finale

England squad: Three Lions vets Kyle Walker, Jordan Henderson back; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jack Grealish out

Rollercoaster ups and downs of closed theme park adored by generations

Rashford, Henderson recalled in Tuchel's first England squad

More from Yahoo Sports

Joe Burrow, Kirk Cousins, Jared Goff announced as subjects for 'Quarterback' season 2 on Netflix

Joe Burrow, Kirk Cousins, Jared Goff announced as subjects for 'Quarterback' season 2 on Netflix

OL David Andrews shares more details on shocking release by Patriots

OL David Andrews shares more details on shocking release by Patriots

LPGA announces another change to its Pace of Play Policy, making it even tougher

More in Sports

Poch: 'Big mistake' for USMNT to focus on politics

Source: Amorim to make call on Sancho future

Rangers tell fans: Join 'progressive' club or leave

Núñez on goal drought: Bad luck, but won't give up

Tuchel on Henderson selection: 'He's the glue'