RISING rugby star Steph Morgan has taken one step forward to national honours after being among 30 under 17s players from across the country to have been called up for an elite training camp. The Tavistock College student, who also plays for Plymouth Albion Under 17s, has been included in the Rugby Football Union's for Women's Talent Development Group. Steph went along to a trial in Taunton but did not expect to be offered one of the 30 places on offer from the 300 girls, who were selected to take part. When she opened the letter from the RFU she confessed she gave a little scream in delight. Steph said: 'I am really pleased. When I opened the letter and read the first line it said thank you for coming but when it said I have been chosen I was really pleased. I really enjoyed the trial and got a lot out of it. I just enjoy playing and developing my game. Its good for girls to play rugby as it's more than just getting fit — there is also a social side.' She praised her coaches for helping to develop her game — Tristan Forster, her sports teacher at Tavistock College, who is also the coach to Plymouth Albion's women's team and Lara Smith, the girls' youth coach at Plymouth Albion. Tristan said that Steph's selection is much deserved. He said: 'Her main quality is a willingness to put the effort in, excellent agility and a fantastic rugby brain to make quick decisions on the field.' All rounder Steph has already represented West Devon at netball but hopes that one day she can go on to play for her country with the oval ball. 'I would love to play for England one day but it's a huge step.' Her rugby position is at fly-half and she started playing rugby for Tavistock College two years ago - within her first season already earned a place in the South West squad for her age group. Mr Forster said that Steph has great potential and the next 18 months will be vital for her rugby development as she makes the transition from junior to women's rugby. 'She does as she is asked and takes on board what I and Lara Smith, the youth coach of Plymouth Albion, tell her. Steph has already a professional attitute to the game.' Her graduation for national consideration is another success for the school, who have already had 11 girl representatives at county level and four at regional level. Steph will join the training camp in London at the end of the month and it is believed international rugby players will be joining in the coaching. The Talent Development Group at each age group will provide a 'step up' from county and regional rugby and will underpin and raise the standard of England representative players and squads for future years. The 30 selected players will attend six TDG days at either a North or South venue between January and August 2007. Over the course of the season, players will receive core rugby skill development, game understanding, strength and conditioning education and development, nutritional advice, sports psychology, performance lifestyle, online training diaries and player kit. Apart from her rugby Steph is studying A levels in psychology, biology, sports science and Japanese and is considering a career in sports physiotherapy.
