Clevedon Teenagers Selected for England Rugby Development Squad

Two young women, one managing a significant spinal condition and the other serving as a young carer, have both earned selection for an England rugby development squad. Megan and Chelsea, both residents of Clevedon, Somerset, secured their places in their county squad. This squad comprises players aged 13 to 16 who are identified as having the potential to advance to more senior England teams in the future. Fourteen-year-old Megan lives with a spinal condition that necessitates wearing a back brace for 20 hours daily. Meanwhile, Chelsea provides care for her younger brother, who is autistic. “Sport has become a way to get away from everything for me,” stated Chelsea, 15. Both individuals are members of the North Somerset Barbarians club. Chelsea mentioned that she undertakes “a lot of things” such as babysitting or cleaning to assist her brother, adding that “it’s worth it.” “At 10 I really noticed what my role was and I got into the young carers group,” she recounted. Chelsea described her brother as non-verbal, noting that he possesses “so much energy” and is “fun to be around.” “Because it’s all I’ve ever known I don’t think of myself as any different from anyone else,” Chelsea commented. Megan received a diagnosis of hyperkyphosis, a condition characterized by a curved spine, requiring her to wear a back brace and having led to spinal fusion surgery. “It’s not dangerous to play rugby,” she affirmed. “I get called a turtle by my friends, because when I’m running I dip my shoulder.” “I got bought a turtle teddy before my surgery in hospital.” She reported resuming rugby activities three months following her operation. For updates, follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.