Lucy Simpson is a player generating considerable excitement in women’s rugby. The 19-year-old Gloucester Hartpury hooker was recently called up for England U20s and, alongside her talent, is gaining recognition for her work ethic and commitment. A physiotherapy student who enjoys reading in her spare time (getting through 211 books in 2024), her approach to rugby matches her approach to life: “How can I learn the most I can as fast as I can?”
To help her, she takes part in Vodafone’s EmpowHER programme, a mentoring programme where she is trained, coached and advised by Kelsey Jones, the 42-cap Wales hooker and Simpson’s teammate at Gloucester Hartpury, which is in the running for a third consecutive Premiership Women’s Rugby title. As the pair practise their lineout throws on the Hartpury training pitch, they reflect on their partnership and the journey ahead for Simpson.
