England Women legends retire
September 10, 2002

The England women's rugby team, silver-medallists at the World Cup last May in Barcelona, will no longer enjoy the services of four key players who have decided to hang up their boots after many years of top-class rugby.

Legendary lock and no.8 Gillian Burns, who captained England from 1994 to 1999, has decided to bow out of active play at the age of 38, but has assumed the mantle of President of the Rugby Football Union for Women. Gill won over 70 caps for England, played in all four women's World Cups and was one of the original Great Britain Lionesses in 1989-90.

Another well-known personality and former England captain, Emma Mitchell, has also now withdrawn from international rugby. Known for her accurate service and powerful running from scrumhalf, she has been a key member of the England side since 1988, captained her country on nine occasions from 1997-99 and collected over 50 caps.

The two other retirees are the 'quiet giant' Dr Karen Henderson, who has given spine to England's scrum from the second row since 1994, and prop Theresa O'Reilly, an England stalwart since 1998 and England Player of the Year in 2000.

Although these players will be greatly missed, the search is already on for their successors. The English Super Fours kicked off last weekend with Coach Geoff Richards in attendance, with the finals due to be played on Saturday, 21st September. The Super Fours act as the culmination of trials held throughout the summer for the national squad.

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