Winger Anna Davies delivered an exceptional performance in her debut for the England Women’s Rugby League team, securing two tries against France. She expressed her gratitude to LJMU performance sport experts for their valuable assistance leading up to her first senior squad cap.
Anna explained, “I have received significant support from LJMU over the past year, particularly on a physical level. I have achieved personal bests in the gym, and the one-to-one support has been indispensable.”
Anna commenced her collaboration with LJMU in September 2022 upon joining the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) to pursue excellence in her sport and earn a place on the England team.
For over 15 years, LJMU has been a devoted TASS delivery site, dedicated to supporting athletes in their academic and sporting pursuits, offering strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, nutrition, performance lifestyle, and psychology services.
Anna added, “The support I have received has definitely provided an extra boost. I joined the program at the start of the England pathway, and now I am playing with the senior squad. I attribute a significant part of my progress to the support I’ve received at Liverpool John Moores. It’s a no-brainer.”
“I have had extensive discussions with nutritionist Erick Mosquera-Lopez, and while I was already performing well, delving into the specifics of game day and the day before a game, and learning how to maximize performance, has been immensely beneficial,” Anna continued. “I also feel good when I’m playing. Furthermore, the friendships I have formed with other athletes from different sports, all striving to achieve their best, have been a hidden benefit.”
Conor Heeney, LJMU Performance Sport Science Coordinator, stated, “Since joining TASS and receiving support from LJMU, Anna has demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment as an athlete, excelling in her TASS/LJMU support, club commitments, and achieving success at the national level.”
“Anna’s remarkable progress extends across all aspects of her performance, particularly evident in her significant physical development, establishing her as one of the strongest athletes in Women’s RFL and setting new records at our delivery site,” Heeney added. “I can only see Anna continuing her progression to solidify herself as a consistent and integral part of the national setup.”
As a winger for the Wigan Warriors, Anna began her sporting journey in Rugby Union before transitioning to Rugby League.
Reflecting on her debut and scoring an early try for her country, Anna commented, “I wasn’t expecting to score. My role as the winger is to finish those tries when the opportunities arise, and scoring for England, especially against a team like France where we were expected to win, is a significant achievement. Scoring early also brings reassurance that you’ve been entrusted with this responsibility and can fulfill it. It’s a delightful moment, being able to celebrate with the girls around you.”
Athletes seeking to enhance their sporting capabilities in parallel with their academic pursuits can explore LJMU’s range of support offered through various performance sport offerings including TASS, located within the university’s School of Sport and Exercise Science.
“I would certainly encourage others to go for it,” says Anna as she reflects on the assistance she has received through TASS. “The more effort you put into it, the more you gain from it. If you’re striving for marginal gains and aiming to be the best you can be, TASS’ motto is to help talent shine, and they have certainly aided me.”
The England Rugby League photos accompanying this story are from SWPix.