A local woman who sustained crippling injury in January has been selected for the English women's rugby team touring New Zealand this month.

Catherine O'Donnell was at home in Maryport when she was told she had been selected for what will be her 20th cap for England.

"I was delighted. This time it has been a battle against myself to get fit."

During a training session in January, she sustained an injury that tore the ligaments in her ankle. She required surgery and long weeks of rehabilitation.

"I worked my ass off, to be frank, I had so much support from Loughborough University and from. and from the team officials. so, in the end, it was me who had to fight myself to get fit.It was really hard but worth it!

Catherine has been selected to the second row, described as the engine room of the scrum.

She has been playing rugby "all my life", starting in Maryport clubs and was cosen to play for the Under 20s squad.

Now, with her 20th cap achieved and her 21st looming up during the tour to New Zealand, she said she is feeling fit and her ankle is holding up well during training sessions

Proud moment: https://www.timesandstar.co.uk/sport/17324417.twickenham-try-icing-cake-catherine/

Catherine was 22 four years ago when she scored her first try - and it was at Twickenham, the home of English rugby.

The English Roses head to New Zealand on Friday.