TWO West Cumbrian teenagers have been selected to represent Scotland’s national rugby league team.
Aaliyah Relph, 14, of Whitehaven, and Eden Holliday, 13, of Aspatria, who both play for Lowca Lionesses, were chosen to join the under 14s team for Scotland.
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They will also be part of the Scotland International Rugby League player development programme, which aims to put the girls on a pathway to the 2030 Women’s World Cup in Australia.
Aaliyah’s mum, Laura said: “She’s in her second season with Lowca. If any of the girls had Scottish heritage, they had the opportunity of going up and training through the development programme. I’m Scottish so that’s how she managed to go into it.
“Training sessions are all over the country and the county. She absolutely loves it. Rugby is her absolute passion.”
Aaliyah Relph playing for Lowca Lionesses (Image: Submitted)
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Laura said it all started about 18 months ago after Aaliyah had been playing football for five years. She was at the Lowca rugby pitch with her friends when one of the coaches noticed her and asked her to try out for the club.
“She’s absolutely hooked,” Laura said. “Her passion for rugby is phenomenal. If she’s not playing it, she’s watching it.
“She’s progressed her rugby so fast. To me, she’s just outstanding.”
Eden’s mum, Kirsty said: “She’s loving her rugby at the minute so she’s chuffed. Her grandad, from her dad’s side of the family, is Scottish.
“She’s quite good at getting on with new people so she’s enjoying that side of it as well.”
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Eden, who attends Nelson Thomlinson School, joined Lowca this season but has played rugby league since she was six. She started with Aspatria Hornets and was the only girl on the team. When she turned 12, she could no longer play in a mixed squad, so had to find an all-girls team.
Eden Holliday plays for Lowca Lionesses (Image: Submitted)
She completed a season at Maryport and then went to Lowca, a team she ‘absolutely loves’ playing for. A talent for rugby runs in the family – Eden’s brother, Ellis Holliday, played for the England Lions last year.
“She supported him and the roles are reversed now. He’s going to come and watch her,” Kirsty said.
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“We’re a massive rugby-supporting family. My husband has played all his life. It’s just very rugby orientated.”
Aaliyah, a pupil at St Benedict’s School, said: “Being selected for Scotland is a great opportunity. Playing Internationally was something I’ve wanted to achieve since I started only 18 months ago.
“With lots of hard work and determination I have managed to reach the international level of rugby league. Representing Scotland is a great honour. I’m grateful to share this opportunity with one of my current teammates.
“I would like to thank my coaches and staff from Lowca – Scott, Vicky and Stewart – who have all helped me to get to where I am today. Without them, this wouldn’t be possible. I’d also like to thank my mam for all her help and support traveling up and down the country and up to various locations in Scotland for training and matches.
“Playing for Scotland is my biggest achievement and hopefully I will achieve my dream of playing in the 2030 Women’s World Cup in Australia.”
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