Training day
Speed work and explosiveness are key factors to focus on in the build-up to an international, with the training sessions designed to match the intensity of Test rugby. “I wake up sore in the morning,” Cleall says. In previous years, there has been a day for heavy lifting in the gym (Tuesday), a speed day (Wednesday), contact training and an internal game (Thursday) and a rest day on Friday.
It’s a twin thing
Poppy and her twin sister, Bryony, are both professional rugby players for England, having begun playing together when they were six years old. The pair played together for England for the first time at the 2021 Six Nations. There are a number of twins who play professional rugby – such as England’s Tom and Ben Curry and the South Africans Dan and Jesse Kriel – but the Clealls are the only set of female twins playing professionally. “The only reason I’ve got to where I have is because I’m so competitive with Bryony,” Poppy says.
By George, the food’s good
England have had two camps at St George’s Park, in Burton upon Trent. “It’s where the England footballers train,” Cleall says. “The facilities we usually use are world class but this was incredible. They have a treadmill in a swimming pool that raises up and down and has cameras all around so you can see how you run.”
Another highlight was the food. Breakfast is collagen jelly – which all the players must eat – and then a choice of baked oats, overnight oats, poached eggs, avocado and other healthy options. The players are not given set meals during the day, but are instead offered a variety of protein sources, carbohydrates and healthy fats at each meal time. As well as meals and regular snacks, they often drink smoothies and protein shakes to help them consume enough calories to match their energy expenditure during intense training sessions.
Prison time
Cleall made her debut for England while still working for the prison service, in a prison she has described as one of the most violent in the country. She signed a professional contract with the Red Roses in 2019.
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Lineout crash landing
The versatile forward says her worst injury happened in 2017, just before the World Cup. Cleall broke her ankle on her way down from a lineout and was out of action for three months. However, she still made it to the tournament as an injury replacement and picked up a runners-up medal.
Factfile
Age: 29
Height: 5ft 8in (1.73m)
Weight: 14st 8lb (93kg)
Club: Saracens
Position: Second row/back row
Country: England
Caps: 50
England schedule in the Women’s Six Nations
Mar 26 Scotland (a), DAM Health Stadium
Apr 3 Italy (a), Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
Apr 9 Wales (h), Kingsholm Stadium
Apr 24 Ireland (h), Welford Road
Apr 30 France (a), Stade Jean Dauger
All matches are live on BBC2 or BBC iPlayer
