Red Roses: Saracens outside centre Sydney Gregson

By BEN JAYCOCK

Birthplace: Baldock, Hertfordshire

Date of birth: 20/01/96

Community club: Letchworth Garden City RFC

Red Roses Debut: vs Wales February 2015

Caps: 4

Why I play rugby: Because I'm a super competitive person

Sydney Gregson had been left out of the international wildness for nine years before coming off the bench in last weekend's victory over Wales in front of a record crowd at Ashton Gate.

The outside centre won three caps in the 2015 Six Nations under then acting head coach Vicky Ponsford but has since been forced to watch on as the international women's game has exploded in popularity since, with the Red Roses going professional in 2019.

Gregson spent the vast majority of her international career playing England Sevens but returned to Saracens ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.

A dynamic and graceful runner, Gregson starred as Sarries reached the play-off final in 2021 but suffered a serious knee injury in training, including damage to her ACL and MCL which ruled her out of the club's title winning 2021/22 season.

After undergoing surgery and a 13-month recovery Gregson returned with vengeance last season and has seen her club form rewarded with a SOS call from England head coach John Mitchell.

Gregson told The Rugby Paper: “I was out for around 13 months which is a long, long time. When I first came back I was a little bit worried still and it took a while to mentally get back into it. Once I overcame that it was about enjoying my rugby.

I've always been someone who's worked hard and the success has come from that.

“There are huge differences in the sport from 2015 to now. The game is much quicker, kicking has come in a lot more but in terms of the support, the whole programme being professional has made all the difference. I've enjoyed my time in camp, having the opportunity to work on different skills, while also having the chance to properly recover and fuel myself.

“The current England environment is so nice to be in as it's competitive but in the right way. Everyone's pushing each other to get better but people have all been so welcoming and the staff are all amazing because they are there to make us better but they want to get to know you as a person, not just as a performer.”

Gregson played in front of 19,705 fans in Bristol last weekend which is the highest attendance for a Red Roses home fixture outside of Twickenham and enjoys putting women's rugby in the shop window to draw in more fans.

She added: “The crowd were amazing and it's important to build momentum for the home World Cup next year. It's great to get as many fans in as possible and showcase women's rugby. Anyone that comes to watch a women's game has a good time with all the entertainment on offer.”

Gregson has been one of the standout performers in this season's Women's Premiership, scoring nine tries in 16 appearances and helping Saracens into second as the league goes on pause for the ongoing Six Nations.

Having starred in the past on the wing, Gregson says her preference is the 13 jersey as she looks to help the north London club win their first title since 2022.

“We've had a great start to the season and I'm really enjoying our style of play but we've still got a lot more to come which is exciting,” said Gregson. “I've found that when you're enjoying playing with a smile on your face, is when you're at your best.

“I played more centre in the last couple years and have been a lot more involved – 13 means you can run your crash lines or can get on the outside which gives you more freedom as opposed to wing.”