THREE University of Worcester students gained valuable experience playing in England under 20s’ successful tour of Canada.

Akina Gondwe, Vicky Laflin and Cara Brincat were involved in the three-match series which saw an unbeaten England take home the Tri-Nations title.

All three play for Worcester Valkyries while studying at the university as part of an educational partnership between the two.

England, coached by Worcester graduate Jo Yapp, defeated Canada 36-22 and 27-17 and USA 43-17 over the 16-day tour.

Prop Gondwe, 19, said: “We arrived in Canada with the goal of winning all three test matches which we achieved.

“We were training in some ridiculously hot temperatures which was tough. But ultimately playing in another country was amazing and different.

“I learnt how to cope with three matches that had a short turnaround. Learning how to recover was very important because test matches are demanding on the body."

Full-back Laflin said: “It was an amazing experience for me.

“I shocked myself on getting a starting shirt in the end and actually being confident in my standard of rugby and my abilities. 

“I learnt a great amount about myself, the team and higher standards of rugby. I learnt to trust my abilities and be confident in myself and others.”

Back row Brincat was injured in the second game but said: "Gaining any game-time internationally was a privilege and I was gutted to miss the last game and not gain more."