Liz Crake, a dentist and university lecturer, has been selected for the England women's rugby squad, taking a place on the bench for the upcoming Grand Slam decider against France on Sunday. This call-up follows the unfortunate injury to Kelsey Clifford, who has been ruled out of the pivotal match.
Crake, who possesses two previous international caps, was initially brought into the wider squad after Hannah Botterman was sidelined for the entire tournament. Her inclusion on the bench for such a high-stakes fixture marks a significant moment, given her unconventional path back to elite rugby.
The forward previously held a professional contract but made the decision to step away from full-time rugby to resume her career in dentistry. Her return to the national setup highlights the depth and commitment within the England squad, as well as the unique balance many players maintain between their sporting careers and other professions.
England will face France in what is set to be a thrilling encounter, with both nations vying for the coveted Grand Slam title. The match holds immense importance for the Red Roses, as they aim to cap off a dominant tournament performance with a clean sweep of victories.
Crake's presence on the bench offers valuable experience and versatility for England, who will be looking to secure a decisive victory against their long-standing rivals. Her journey from the dental surgery back to the international rugby pitch provides an inspiring narrative ahead of one of the biggest matches in the women's rugby calendar.