Kelsey Clifford Explained

Kelsey Clifford
Birth Date:11 December 2001
Birth Place:London, England
Height:172cm (68inches)
Weight:105kg (231lb)
Ru Position:Prop
Ru Currentteam:Saracens Women
Years1:2019–
Clubs1:Saracens Women
Apps1:
Points1:
Repyears1:2019
Repteam1:England U18s
Repcaps1:2
Reppoints1:
Repyears2:2020–2022
Repteam2:England U20s
Repcaps2:4
Reppoints2:
Repyears3:2023
Repteam3:England
Repcaps3:3
Reppoints3:

Kelsey Clifford (born 11 December 2001) is an English rugby union player who currently plays as a prop for Saracens Women in the Premier 15s, the top-level competition of women's rugby union in England, and for the England national team.[1]

Club career

Clifford began playing rugby in the minis system at Finchley RFC, and subsequently progressed through the Saracens academy pathway. She made her debut for Saracens during the 2019–20 Premier 15s Development League, in their opening round match against Bristol Bears.[2]

After signing a new deal with Saracens, Clifford enjoyed a breakthrough year in the 2021–22 season, becoming a regular figure in the first team. She started at tighthead prop in the play-off final, helping Saracens to a third title as they defeated Exeter Chiefs with a score of 43–21.[3]

International career

Clifford represented England at age-group levels during her teenage years. In 2019, she captained the U18s side to a 39–5 win over Scotland.[4] Later that year, she graduated to the U20s team, going on to make three appearances.

Ahead of the 2023 Women's Six Nations, Clifford received her first call-up to the England senior squad.[5] She won her first international cap on 25 March 2023, as a replacement in England's 58–7 victory against Scotland.[6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Kelsey Clifford . Saracens . 29 March 2023.
  2. News: Kelsey Clifford named in England Women U20s squad . Saracens . 14 October 2019 . 29 March 2023.
  3. News: Saracens defeat Exeter Chiefs to reclaim Premier 15s title in front of record crowd . The Independent . 4 June 2022 . 29 March 2023.
  4. Web site: Kelsey Clifford . England Rugby . 29 March 2023.
  5. News: Meet the nine uncapped stars in England's TikTok Women's Six Nations squad . Six Nations Rugby . 14 March 2023 . 20 March 2023.
  6. News: Women's Six Nations 2023: England 58-7 Scotland - Red Roses score 10 tries in Hunter's last game . BBC Sport . 25 March 2023 . 29 March 2023.