FORMER Ellingham & Ringwood youngster Poppy Cleall has taken a giant stride towards her World Cup dream by earning her first senior caps for England.

The 23-year-old blindside-flanker, who was raised in Alderholt, came off the bench as England kicked off their Women's Six Nations campaign with a 32-0 win at Scotland 12 days ago.

Saracens star Cleall, a Women's Premiership winner in 2015, then played a part in Saturday's 33-24 victory in Italy.

Next on the agenda is a home clash with Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday, February 27 with pleased-as-punch parents Peter Cleall and Mandie Dawson hoping for third time lucky having been on holiday in Antigua for the first two outings.

"We would definitely have got to Scotland but I had booked the holiday long before she got picked," said Peter.

"Poppy wouldn't have wanted us to cancel but we did gather round the computer to watch the live stream and were so proud.

"She has pushed on through the various regional levels and been on the edge of it for the past two years.

"Poppy wanted to do it, has really put her mind to it and knuckled down at Saracens to achieve her dream and now she has her eyes set on the World Cup."

Poppy, who works as a prison officer in London, played for Bristol during her time studying at the University of the West of England before being capped by her country at under-20 level.

Having completed her degree, Poppy represented Canadian side Capilano, based in Vancouver, on her travels. Twin sister, Bryony Cleall, currently plays for Bristol.