England’s Nancy McGillivray beginning to believe journey that began in Hong Kong will lead to Red Roses side
- McGillivray started out with Discovery Bay Pirates at 8 years old, now she’s in the England set-up and looking at club success with Exeter Chiefs
- Among her admirers is England World Cup winner Emily Scarratt, who calls McGillivray ‘a huge talent’
Nancy McGillivray grew used to the glowing testimonials, accustomed to receiving plaudits for a rugby game brimming with verve and flair and physicality.
Only now, however, is the 20-year-old accepting her legion of confirmed admirers might know what they’re talking about.
The case for the majority is growing, after all: a convincing evidence bundle features a storming Twickenham try, multiple summons for senior England training camps, a Red Roses Under-20 leadership role and the very real prospect of winning an English domestic title with Exeter Chiefs.
There was recent high praise, too, from global rugby royalty in Emily Scarratt.
Inclusion in a Hong Kong academy for the city’s most promising young players, back when she was 15, couldn’t persuade McGillivray to revise her unflattering self-evaluation. “I didn’t think I had that much ability and didn’t see myself going far at all,” she said.
McGillivray felt “lost” on England Under-20 duty last year after obtaining international recognition within 12 months of leaving Hong Kong for the country of her birth.
