SEVERN Stars ace Iona Darroch will represent England in the Netball World Youth Cup.

The University of Worcester student heads to Botswana, southern Africa, for the tournament in July as part of a 12-strong under 21s team.

“It’s a great honour to be able to represent my country,” said the 19-year-old.

“There’s been a lot of hard work but it’s paid off. Two years ago I wouldn’t have thought I had a chance so it’s amazing to be selected.

“It’s a great group of girls to go away with and I’ve got to know them really well over the last four years. I’m super excited.”

Darroch, who hails from Handforth, Cheshire, joined the Superleague franchise last summer and is studying illustration at the city’s university.

She has been part of the England Roses under 21 long squad, a group of around 20 who meet up for regular training sessions and camps.

Before that she was with the under 19s squad.

The 5ft 5in star, who can play centre, wing attack or goal attack, took part in a preparation tour earlier this month.

The squad leaves for a holding camp in Pretoria, South Africa, before heading onto Botswana for the tournament which starts on July 8.

“My move to Stars has definitely helped me gain more experience,” Darroch continued.

“It’s the training intensity and match experience you get with the Superleague.

“It definitely develops you as a player.

“It gives you more exposure to a high level of netball. It’s a lot more physical and a quicker game compared to other netball leagues because you are playing against some of the top players.”

Alongside her studies Darroch fits in at least 14 hours of on-court training, weights, conditioning and matches a week.

“It’s definitely been a bit of a juggling act to train alongside a degree,” said Darroch who also plays for the university’s first team.

“But I have managed to meet all my deadlines and the university have been really understanding. The support I have had from the university’s scholarship team has been helpful.”

Darroch said she had received guidance from team-mates, including England internationals Jodie Gibson, Eleanor Cardwell and Laura Malcolm, and Stars assistant coach Sam Bird who previously played for England in the World Youth Cup.

University of Worcester director of netball Louisa-Jayne Walker said: “Iona’s hard work and dedication both on and off the court is an inspiration to many of our students and we are proud she is a part of our University of Worcester Netball Club.

"We wish her and the team the best of luck.”

Stars play their final Vitality Netball Superleague home match of the season against Hertfordshire Mavericks tomorrow at the University of Worcester Arena (7.30pm).

Third-from-bottom Stars are level on points with Hertfordshire and will be looking to leapfrog their visitors with a sixth league victory of the campaign.

Their season ends at Manchester Thunder on Saturday, June 3.