A police officer who played in England’s first women’s rugby world cup triumph in 20 years is back to work in Ealing.
PC Claire Allan was one of 26 players selected to represent the country in the world cup tournament.
England made it through to the final and beat Canada 21-9 on August 17 at the Jean Bouin Stadium, Paris.
Ms Allan, who is currently assigned to Ealing’s Proactive Team and manages to juggle her career with the long training sessions required to meet the standards of a world class rugby player, resumed to duty this week.
She said: “Winning a world cup has always been my dream and I still can’t quite believe we did it.
“I cannot thank Ealing borough enough for the support they have given me throughout our world cup campaign. Especially my line manager Detective Sergeant Jo Rajkovic and fellow work mates, who I couldn’t have done it without.
“I feel very fortunate to have been supported so well by my employers.”
Borough Commander Nev Nolan said: “As a rugby coach myself, I understand the hard work and dedication that Claire has put in, in her own time, to reach the highest standards of the game on a national level, which is all the more impressive, as she is a full time thief taker who has demonstrated her tackling abilities on unsuspecting villains to their cost.
“I would like to congratulate Claire on her success and we are all extremely proud of her here at Ealing. The ladies team has certainly set the bar for the men’s world cup next year.”
Detective Chief Inspector Sean Yates said: “Claire’s tenacious efforts both as a police officer serving the community of Ealing on a daily basis and on the field is testament to her character.
“Claire’s dedication has been rightly rewarded with the ultimate sporting achievement and we are rightly very proud to have a rugby world cup winner in our ranks.”
