By Jackie Finlan

The Women’s Six Nations resumes this Friday, contesting round three after a bye week, but for those athletes involved in the tournament and fighting for selection each test, last week wasn’t an opportunity to relax. 

The players are balancing national team and club rugby seasons that overlap, jobs, and family. Vickii Cornborough, in this two-part article, lends some insight into her life as an active England and Harlequins prop.

“The Six Nations is such an exciting competition to be involved in — it’s the biggest tournament outside of the World Cup,” the 27-year-old said. “To have five international games spread over February and March is a challenge to keep the squad performing at its best, improving throughout the competition and juggling everything else outside of rugby.”

Watch the 2018 Women's Six Nations LIVE on FloRugby

Cornborough is making her first start of this year's Six Nations tournament against Scotland on Friday. She debuted for her home country in 2015 and has accrued 36 caps since then. U.S. viewers might also recognize Cornborough from the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup, when the Red Roses played the Eagles in a 47-26 decision in August. 

In November, the Harlequins front row was back at it, helping England to three massive wins against Canada, and then the fitness and training camps began in January for the Six Nations. Players are selected for each of the five tests and report to camp a week before kickoff.

“During my international career, I've experienced both amateur and professional setups during Six Nations,” Cornborough explained. “Last year’s World Cup year, England were fortunate to be full-time athletes, which was reflected in our Six Nations Grand Slam win.

“Currently, we are amateur/semi-professional athletes during this competition,” the front row continued. “I have a full-time job in IT business development that I juggle around camps and games. Luckily my employer is very flexible and I am able to work from anywhere as long as I have a laptop and phone. My clients are always so interested in my rugby career and many of them actually come to watch matches, often bringing their kids along as the stadiums have such a great atmosphere.”

When Cornborough does manage to find free time, she makes sure she’s maintaining her relationships with friends and family.

“Again my family are very understanding — my sister even booked her wedding around my rugby commitments so I could attend,” Cornborough noted.

“Maintaining this lifestyle all comes down to organization, planning, and a great support network. It's all possible if you are willing to put in the effort to achieve and fit in everything,” she added. “For me, it’s totally worth it and I wouldn't change a thing. Would I like a better balance? Perhaps — but no doubt I'd fill that freed up time with something else!”

Women's Six Nations

ROUND 3

Friday, Feb. 23

2:05 PM EST / 11:05 AM PST

England at Scotland — WATCH LIVE

Saturday, Feb. 24

3 PM EST / 12 PM PST

Italy at France — WATCH LIVE

Sunday, Feb. 25

10 AM EST / 7 AM PST

Wales at Ireland — WATCH LIVE

Jackie Finlan is the editor of The Rugby Breakdown and has been covering the game — men and women, domestic and international — for a variety of outlets across the USA.