NICKY Crawford has spoken of her delight after being named as English rugby's top female player.

The Worcester Rugby Club winger, who has an incredible record of 40 tries from 40 matches at international level, picked up the England player of the year award from the RFU at Twickenham.

The 30-year-old Sixways star collected the accolade after playing a major part in helping England to the World Cup final against New Zealand this year.

"It's fantastic," she said. "It is one of the biggest recognitions a rugby player can receive so I feel really chuffed. I love playing rugby for England and to be named player of the year after such a great season is wonderful."

Crawford -- an art teacher from Droitwich -- has been an ever present in the England squad for the past six years.

Meanwhile, Crawford has again been included in the latest England elite squad along with four other Sixways stars --- scrum-half Joanne Yapp, prop Mandy Palmer-Norrie, number eight Jaine Lock and centre Kim Shaylor.