England's Poppy Cleall has World Cup defeat on lockdown
As a trained prison officer, nothing on a rugby pitch fazes Poppy Cleall. The prospect of facing Italy in the Six Nations on Sunday seems straightforward.
‘If something goes wrong, it can be volatile,’ the England lock said of her job. ‘It can be dangerous but we know what we’re doing.
‘The best way to take the aggression out of a confrontation is through reasoning. Like rugby, it takes discipline. When teams are going hard at each other, I’m pretty cool-headed.’
Poppy Cleall joined Saracens this season and is one of England’s most dangerous ball carriers
Cleall, 25, who joined Saracens this season, is one of England’s most dangerous ball carriers.
She is also one of dozens of players to lose full-time contracts after last year’s World Cup, when England were losing finalists.
But she has thrived in the inaugural Premier 15s competition. ‘We’ve gone back to our day jobs but we’re well-equipped now,’ said Cleall. ‘We’re playing in a competitive league and getting full support from clubs.’
England go into the Six Nations without 17 players on sevens contracts geared to the Olympics.
That World Cup final defeat provides the Six Nations champions with motivation. ‘I was proud of what we achieved last year,’ Cleall said.
‘It was a bit bitter sweet. We want to make sure it doesn’t happen again.’