York Valkyrie's Georgie Hetherington on try-scoring England debut

So said York Valkyrie utility Georgie Hetherington, who could hardly believe her luck after scoring on her England debut against France on Saturday.

The 26-year-old received her first senior international call-up in October after impressing in the England Knights set-up, but did not feature as Stu Barrow’s side thrashed Wales 60-0.

Valkyrie second-rower Lacey Owen marked her debut with a try that day, whilst teammates Tamzin Renouf and Tara Jane Stanley also got in on the action, the latter scoring twice and adding eight conversions from the tee.

But Saturday was Hetherington’s chance to shine in Toulouse.

Handed a start at full-back in place of the injured Stanley, she grabbed her opportunity with both hands, setting up Leeds Rhinos centre Amy Hardcastle before collecting a pass from St Helens half-back Zoe Harris to stroll across the whitewash herself.

Valkyrie teammates Eboni Partington and Liv Wood also featured, the former adding her name to the scoresheet as the flurry of tries continued into the second half.

Hetherington was joined by Valkyrie teammates Eboni Partington and Liv Wood in France. (Image: Alex Whitehead/SWPix.com)

“It’s what dreams are made of, isn’t it!” Hetherington enthused, still beaming at the experience despite having rushed back from the south of France to support fiancée, York Knights full-back Will Dagger, the following day.

“I’m still shocked by it myself to be honest!

“I remember Eboni and I had a chat beforehand and she said ‘what if you score on your debut?’ I said ‘that would just put the cherry on top wouldn’t it’.

“I wasn’t putting pressure on myself to score, but everything happens for a reason, doesn’t it.”

England's victorious team in Toulouse. (Image: Alex Whitehead/SWPix.com)

Hetherington had only started once at full-back in 2024, and called upon teammate Stanley for advice before taking to the field in France.

She explained: “I spoke to her before the game and asked ‘have you got any pointers for me?’

“She said ‘just go out there and enjoy it, I’m sure you’ll do a great job.’

“She’s been so supportive all the way through it.”

As for whether she wants to continue at full-back, Hetherington joked: “I’m not in a rush to keep hold of it, there’s a lot of running to do!

“And Tara covers that spot really well.”