Nicki, who played minis rugby for Melton RFC from under 10s to under 12s, helped the East Midlands Under 15s Regional side to victory at the National Girls Rugby Championships at Lichfield with a fine performance at outside centre.

In the first part of the competition, East Midlands brushed aside both the South East and Yorkshire to earn their progress to the semi-finals where they faced South England.

Nicki (14) was intrumental in helping the East Midlands into the final with a try-saving tackle to protect the narrow 3-0 lead which they clung on to, winning by the narrowest of margins. Unfortunately her heroics saw her pick up a knee injury.

In the final East Midlands again shut out their opponents East Wales, beating them 12-0 to become national champions.

Next year Nicki, who is in the England Ladies' Development Squad, goes up a level into the under 18s, but already has the experience of a few games already at under 18s level for her club.