Hartpury’s women’s rugby players are all set for an East Asian adventure as they jet off to Japan for the annual Sanix World Rugby Youth Tournament at the end of April.

LJ Adams’ side are one of four international sides who make up the eight-team tournament that also includes four Japanese teams. Squads from New Zealand, Australia and Hong Kong will join Hartpury when the pool stages get underway on Friday, April 28th in Fukuoka.

Hartpury student Holly Cunningham will captain a squad that includes 11 other fellow students as they look to win the tournament that has previously been attended by the college’s men’s side, who finished second in 2013.

Hollie said: “It’s a brilliant opportunity for the girls and we are very grateful to Hartpury and the sponsors for being able to make this happen. Every single member of the squad has worked extremely hard and it’s showing in training how far the girls have come and that the hours we have put in are giving results. I have every faith that the girls will excel in Japan and give a performance to be proud of.”

Hartpury women’s rugby coach LJ Adams added: “Off the back of back of winning Rosslyn Park 7s, we are feeling very confident and well prepared. This will be a challenge for the squad facing international teams as well as the long travel time and playing over two days. However, the girls really have prepared in the best possible way and I’m sure they’ll be ready for everything that’s thrown at them.”

Alpas, ISO Energy, Barnwood and Gillmans have played a big part in getting the girls to Japan by supporting the team through kit sponsorship.