Mia Venner's journey back to the England Women's Six Nations squad is a testament to resilience and determination. The Gloucester-Hartpury wing, now 22, earned her first cap at just 17 in 2020, but her promising career was abruptly halted by an anterior cruciate ligament injury later that same year. Now, after years of hard work, Venner is poised to earn her second cap against Italy in York, a moment that would cap off a remarkable season.

"It's been a rollercoaster ride over the past four to five years," Venner reflected, acknowledging the significant changes in both her game and the women's rugby landscape since her debut. While her natural speed and footwork were always evident, she has worked diligently to enhance her defensive capabilities and become a more complete player.

The ACL injury in December 2020 was a major setback, both physically and mentally. The young winger faced the arduous task of regaining not only her strength but also her love for the game. "Physically I came back stronger, but mentally I had to regain the love for rugby again," she admitted. "Performing was in the back of my mind and the forefront was trying to get that enjoyment back again. It was a real struggle coming back."

After a year of recovery, Venner gradually returned to form. A call-up to the England camp during last year's Six Nations, along with a valuable one-on-one meeting with coach John Mitchell, provided the motivation she needed to elevate her game. A crucial try in the Premiership Women's Rugby final against Saracens, where she showcased her dazzling footwork, underscored her resurgence.

Venner is embracing the opportunity to learn from her fellow England wings, Jessica Breach and Abby Dow, despite the competition for places. "I see it more as an opportunity to improve my game by working with the best three in the world," she explained, highlighting the dedication and analytical approach of her teammates. She was particularly impressed by the depth of their preparation, noting that "This morning Abby had about two pages of notes on Italy. It is amazing to see and something I am going to have to get into."

While acknowledging the presence of other talented young wingers like Millie David and Bo Westcombe-Evans, Venner is focused on maintaining her current form and seizing the opportunity in the Six Nations. Although a place in the upcoming home Rugby World Cup squad is a clear ambition, she remains grounded, emphasizing the importance of taking things one game at a time.

In other news, Millwall midfielder Ra'ees Bangura-Williams has received his first international call-up for England's Elite League Squad. The 20-year-old, who recently made his senior debut for the Lions, joins the Under-20s side for upcoming matches against Portugal and Switzerland, replacing Cardiff City's Will Alves.