by Two Cumbran teenagers from the West were selected to represent the national team of the Rugby League in Scotland.
Aaliyah Relph, 14, from Whitehaven, and Eden Holliday, 13, from Aspatria, who both play for Lowca lionesses, were chosen to join the team of under 14 for Scotland.
Advertisement
They will also be part of the development program of players in the international rugby league in Scotland, which aims to put girls on the 2030 Women’s World Cup in Australia.
Laura d’Aaliyah, Laura, said: “She is in her second season with Lowca. If one of the girls had the Scottish heritage, they had the opportunity to go up and train through the development program. I am Scottish, that’s how she managed to go.
“The training sessions are across the country and in the county. She loves it. Rugby is his absolute passion. ”
Aaliyah REPH playing for LOWCA lionesses (Image: submissive)
Advertisement
Laura said it all started about 18 months ago after Aaliyah has been playing football for five years. She was on the Lowca rugby field with her friends when one of the coaches noticed her and asked her to try the club.
“She is absolutely addicted,” said Laura. “His passion for rugby is phenomenal. If she doesn’t play, she looks at him.
“She progressed her rugby so quickly. For me, she is just exceptional.”
Eden’s mother, Kirsty, said: “She loves her rugby per minute so she is frightened. His grandfather, on the side of his father’s family, is Scottish.
“She is good enough to continue with new people, so she also takes advantage of them.”
Advertisement
Eden, who has frequented Nelson Thomlinson school, joined Lowca this season but has been playing Rugby League since she was six years old. She started with Aspatria Hornets and was the only girl from the team. When she was 12 years old, she couldn’t play in a mixed team anymore, she had to find a team of girls.
Eden Holliday plays for the Lowca lionesses (Image: submissive)
She finished a season in Maryport, then went to Lowca, a team for which she “absolutely loves”. A talent for rugby races in the family – Eden’s brother, Ellis Holliday, played for the Lions of England last year.
“She supported her and the roles are reversed now. He’s going to come and watch her,” said Kirsty.
Advertisement
“We are a massive rugby family.
Aaliyah, a student of the St Benedict school, said: “Being selected for Scotland is an excellent opportunity. Playing international was something that I wanted to achieve since I started only 18 months ago.
“With a lot of hard work and determination, I managed to reach the international level of the rugby league. Representing Scotland is a great honor. I am grateful to share this opportunity with one of my current teammates.
“I would like to thank my coaches and my Lowca – Scott, Vicky and Stewart – who have helped me where I am today. Without them, this would not be possible. I would also like to thank my mom for all her help and support to travel to the country and to various places in Scotland for training and her match.
“Playing for Scotland is my greatest success and I hope I will realize my dream of playing in the 2030 Women’s World Cup in Australia.”
