Competition in the Premier 15s has been at the highest level ever this season and Worcester Warriors prop Flo Long says it's been ‘amazing' for the club not to be judged as an easy win.
Warriors have challenged teams throughout the season with a key example occurring in March where they lost narrowly 28-24 to rivals Gloucester-Hartpury.
The 20-year-old Long says: “In the past we've been an easy win for teams, especially teams like Quins, Sarries and Wasps. But speaking to players after games they really have to fight for it.
“It's not ‘oh we're going to turn up and we're guaranteed a bonus point win'.
“We just have to find the confidence in ourselves to win.
“Teams like Saracens don't know how to lose and I think we need to start knowing how to win.
“Our game against Gloucester was a huge eye opener for them, they celebrated that like they had won a World Cup.
“With teams like Wasps it's like a sigh of relief when they win it's not a standard norm, it's a thank God we won that. I think we really put up a fight and it's a massive testament to the girls.”
Long, who works as a milkman outside of rugby, has been impressive on the pitch for her club this season. So much so she is included in England's extended Women's Six Nations squad but is yet to earn her first cap.
She says she is happy to be involved at a national level before she has hit her peak.
“I'm in quite close contact with the forwards coach of the seniors [Mark Luffman]. He rang me to say I was going to be in the extended squad and was like ‘keep doing what you're doing'.
“Props don't peak until earliest mid-twenties and I'm 20. I wasn't expecting anything this year and I think the fact it's heading in the right direction already is a huge testament to myself and everyone around me.
“But Mark just said keep up the good work. They watch a lot of club games, not just in regards to me, but in regards to anyone playing in the Prem they will be watching you.
“If you're performing week in, week out, regardless of what team you're playing for they will notice that and it will translate into the (England) team.”
SARAH RENDELL
