England debut gives Georgie Hetherington confidence at York Valkyrie

The 26-year-old made her international bow alongside Valkyrie teammates Eboni Partington and Liv Wood in Toulouse a fortnight ago, setting up Amy Hardcastle to score before finding the whitewash herself as Stu Barrow’s side ran riot in a 42-0 demolition of France.

Hetherington marked her England debut with a try during the first half of their rout of France. (Image: Alex Whitehead/SWPix.com)

Having been left out of the England squad against Wales in October, it was a long time coming for Hetherington who has turned out at both full-back and hooker for Anfield’s side this term - and also produced Player of the Match performance on the wing in October’s Grand Final.

“It’s given Georgie a real bit of confidence,” the director of rugby admitted.

“I’ve known her since she was about 14 when I started meeting her on the rugby scene, and then as her coach when she was 16.

“She always just said ‘I want to play once for England, I just want to do it and say I’ve played for England.’

“She’s finally done it, and I’m just so, so pleased for her.”

Hetherington, who raced back from the south of France the following day to support fiancé Will Dagger as York Knights hosted Sheffield Eagles, described the experience as a dream come true.

“It’s what dreams are made of!” she beamed. “I’m still shocked by it myself to be honest!

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

Will Dagger, Hetherington's long-term partner and York Valkyrie assistant coach, admits missing out on the cut for the England squad last October has only spurred her on to make the team this time around. (Image: Craig Hawkhead Photography)

Having seen his partner achieve a lifelong dream, Dagger, an assistant coach at the Valkyrie alongside being the Knights’ first-choice full-back, could also not hide his pride as he spoke to The Press about his long-term partner’s achievements.

“It’s something that she’s dreamed of for years,” he explained. 

“She started playing when she was a young girl, and I think it’s everyone’s dream to go and play for your country.

“Scoring on her debut as well, it’s just put the icing on the cake.”

And the full-back believes that missing out on selection in October has only made Hetherington strive harder for success this time around.

“She was disheartened, she was pretty upset, but I think she used that as motivation this year to go that one step further and get the shirt,” he added.

“She’s certainly done that, and deserves credit. She’s kept her head down, worked hard and she’s probably in the best physical shape she’s ever been in.”