Worcester Warriors Centre of Excellence graduate Abi Kershaw has been added to the senior squad ahead of the 2020/21 Premier 15s campaign, the versatile back having been capped by England Under-18s.
Kershaw, 18, who hails from Shropshire and now lives in north Wales, can play at fly-half, centre or full-back and strengthens Warriors’ backline options.
Picking up a rugby ball aged seven at Oswestry RFC, Kershaw attended Criftins Primary School and Lakeland’s Academy prior to studying at Shrewsbury Sixth Form College.
Part of the England Talent Development Group, Kershaw made her England Under-18s debut at the age of 16 last year when she played 70 minutes of a 39-5 victory over Scotland at Preston Grasshoppers. She was the architect for two of England’s scores that day, one of which she supplied the killer pass for, and was calm under pressure throughout the afternoon.
Kershaw is delighted to have made the step up to the senior set-up, adding: “I’m so grateful to have been given the opportunity to play for Worcester Warriors at such an exciting time for women’s rugby at the club.
“I’m looking forward to the start of the new season and I’m focused on working hard in training in order to put myself in contention for selection.”
“Abi has shown her quality in the last 12 months in the development league and has shown some really impressive skills,” said Head of Women’s Development at Worcester Warriors Benny Williams.
“She has always been an outstanding player at every level that she has played at and she’s now given herself a great opportunity to do that at an elite level.”