Extra boost from LJMU aids Anna in her England rugby debut

Winger Anna Davies marked an incredible debut for the England Women’s Rugby League team scoring two tries against France, and has thanked performance sport experts at LJMU for their support in the run up to her inaugural senior squad cap.

“The support from LJMU has helped me massively over the last 12 months, predominantly physically”, explains Anna. “I'm lifting personal bests in the gym and that one-to-one support is invaluable.”

Anna began getting support from LJMU in September 2022 when she joined the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) in pursuit of excellence in her sport and gaining selection for the England team.

LJMU has been a longstanding TASS delivery site for over 15 years, dedicated to supporting athletes throughout their dual academic and sporting career, providing strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, nutrition, performance lifestyle and psychology services.

Anna added: “It's definitely been that extra boost. I got onto it when I was at the start of the England pathway, but now I'm playing with the senior squad. I would definitely say that a big part of that is due to the support I've had at Liverpool John Moores. So yeah, I think it's a no-brainer.

“I've had a sit-down with a nutritionist Erick Mosquera-Lopez, and while I was already doing well, getting into the nitty-gritty specifics of game day and the day before a game, and learning how to absolutely maximize performance, has been really helpful. I feel good when I'm playing. Then there are the friendships as well. I think it’s one of the hidden benefits of training with other athletes from different sports who are trying to achieve the same thing: to be the best they can be at their sport.”

LJMU Performance Sport Science Coordinator, Conor Heeney, said: “Since joining TASS and getting support from LJMU, Anna has showcased exceptional dedication and commitment as an athlete, excelling in her TASS/LJMU support, club commitments, and achieving debut success at the national level.

“Anna's remarkable progress extends across all parts of her performance, particularly notable in her significant physical development, establishing her as one of the strongest athletes in the Women's RFL and setting new records at our delivery site.

“Anna is one of those athletes who is a dream to coach due to her persistent willingness to invest extra hours, and relentless pursuit of being her best. I can only see Anna continuing her progression to cement herself as a consistent and key part of the national setup.”

Anna is a winger for local team Wigan Warriors having started her sporting career in Rugby Union before switching to play Rugby League.

Speaking about her debut and bagging and early try for her country, Anna said: “I wasn't expecting to score. I think in Rugby League it's very much a team sport. My job as the winger is to finish those tries when the opportunities come, and you hope to score when playing for England, especially against a team like France where we were expected to win. I think the moment was surreal. It was four minutes in, and obviously I really enjoyed it and I was thrilled. Scoring early also settles you. It’s a reassurance that you've been trusted with this job and are able to do it. It's a delightful moment, being able to celebrate with the girls around you. They’re thrilled for you because they know they've been pushing and wanting to get into the squad for a while. It was my debut, and the joy was shared between the team.”

Athletes looking to further their sporting prowess, alongside their academic endeavours, can take a look at the range of support on offer from LJMU through a variety of performance sport offerings including TASS, based within the university’s School of Sport and Exercise Science.

“I would definitely say go for it”, says Anna as she reflects on the help she has got through TASS. “I think it's one of those things where the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. If you're trying to look for those little gains and be the best that you can, TASS’ motto is to help make that talent shine and they certainly helped me.”

The England Rugby League photos used to accompany this story are from SWPix.