Michaela, who was born in High Wycombe, has run in 16 international tries, appeared in the 2006 WRWC and the 2009 WRWC Sevens and represented England at five levels including U19, Select and A team.
She was co-captain of England Sevens with Sonia Green last season, having first played when 13 at Rickmansworth School. Michaela said: “We competed at Sevens and I then joined Fullerians, the local team in Watford.
“Lee Parkin, my teacher, introduced me to rugby and put so much time and effort into the team. Jo Hull was our coach and mentor when I moved north to play and study at East Durham and Houghall Community College.”
Michaela appeared for Thirsk Sharks (2003-06) and Henley (2006) before joining Wasps and winning a wide range of personal and collective honours, headed by the Six Nations title in all the past five years. Sue Day, the former England captain, is the player she most admired. “A living legend,” said Michaela.
She has been a member of victorious Sevens teams in Dubai, San Diego, Amsterdam, Newquay, Richmond, Edinburgh and Moscow among others. Much closer to home, Michaela is a student at the University of Hertfordshire, completing a Masters in Education part time while working as a PE teacher at Rickmansworth, her old school. She previously attained a Sport Science degree at St Mary’s.
Away from rugby, studies and her career, Michaela enjoys swimming and “discovered a new found appreciation for Pilates.” Her most memorable tournament was the triumph in the Amsterdam Sevens two years ago (“the biggest learning curve in my life”) and the 2006 Six Nations Grand Slam game against Ireland.
Another season and bigger challenges now beckon.
Statistics
Squad: Wasps
Position: Wing/Centre
Age: 23
Height: 1.75m (5'9")
Weight: 69kg (10st 12lb)
Caps: 40
