HARTPURY College’s Sydney Gregson admits she is in a dream world as she continues to line up for England Women during this year’s Six Nations.

Gregson was one of seven new players in the starting line up as reigning world champions England suffered a shock 13-0 opening Six Nations loss to Wales two weeks ago.

And while it may not have been a perfect start to her senior career for Gregson, the milestone still marked another impressive step for the 19-year-old.

Gregson didn’t stop there either as she was back in the No.11 jersey this weekend as England beat Italy 39-7 at the Twickenham Stoop.

And with 2015 already bringing further success, Gregson, who also turns out for Bristol Ladies, admitted she was still pinching herself as her rapid rise.

“It was an amazing feeling to be selected for the team, I was not expecting it at all, it was all a bit overwhelming, although my mum was probably the most excited of us all,” said Gregson.

“I had only been in the squad this year so to start the first match of the Six Nations was amazing, even if we did lose.

“All the older players were really good and if I had any questions they were on hand to help, I’ve already learned a lot from them.

“It’s all been a bit mental for the last 12 months really. The 7s experience was amazing. I trained with them all last season but I was not expecting to play, I was just looking for the experience.

“I have been working really hard in my skills and on training. This has been my first season with Bristol and playing in the Premiership for the first time as a senior.

“It’s been great just to get that game time regularly week in week out. I’m happy with how I’ve been playing and feel I have adapted to the step up.”

England were without 14 of their World Cup winners for their Six Nations opener, with two retired and 12 playing at the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series.

And while the immediate aim will be on securing another Six Nations title, Gregson admits she is also looking at the bigger picture.

“The next World Cup is only two and a half years away now so hopefully I can get into the squad on a regular basis and be a starting player,” she added.

“I just want to keep on improving and trying to become a better player. I started rugby when I was 13 and now I’ve played for England so it’s been a great progression but hopefully there’s plenty more to come.”

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