Poppy Cleall

A skillful number 8, Poppy Cleall was voted as the 2021 England Player of the Year. She currently represents the England women's rugby union team and Saracens Women. 

Born on 12 June 1992 in Norwich, Norfolk, Poppy Cleall began playing rugby at the age of six. She played for numerous teams during her childhood and teen years, including Ellingham & Ringwood, Wimborne and Salisbury RFC. 

Cleall's club career started in 2010. She signed to Bristol Bears Women and stayed here until 2012—she re-signed for the 2016-17 season. From here, she transferred to Saracens. With the exception of 2016-17, Cleall has remained with the Sarries ever since. 

It's at Saracens where Cleall has enjoyed some of her career highlights. Her achievements include three back-to-back Women's Premiership titles, as well as a further title in 2022. She was named Player of the Match in the 2019 final.

In terms of her international career, Cleall is a key player for the England team. She debuted for the Red Roses in 2016 and appeared in every match at the 2017 Six Nations. She also competed at the 2017 Rugby World Cup and featured in the final against New Zealand. 

In 2021, her performances earned her the Six Nations Player of the Championship award. She was also named RPA Player of the Year, featured in the World Rugby Women’s 15 Dream Team of the Year and she was nominated for World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year. 

Next, she represented England at the delayed 2021 Rugby World Cup. She went on to contest every match at the 2022 Six Nations, scoring a brace in their 69-0 clean sheet against Ireland. 

Despite her glittering career, Cleall’s England contract was not renewed for the 2024 season. However, she continues to represent Saracens. 

A star of the game with a lot more to give, we can't wait to watch Poppy Cleall's next match.