TWO North-East rugby players who lifted the women’s World Cup this summer have been honoured at a civic reception.

England captain Katy McLean and number eight Tamara Taylor led their team to victory in Paris in August by beating Canada 21-9 – their first world cup victory since 1994.

The pair play for Darlington Mowden Park Sharks – the club’s successful women’s side – and their inspirational achievements were honoured at the reception held at Darlington town hall today (Monday, October 20).

McLean said: “It is the biggest thing we have done in our lives and the way Darlington has supported us has been incredible. It is an honour to be here.”

The 28-year-old is preparing to leave her job as a teacher at Bexhill Academy in Sunderland, close to her South Tyneside home, after being awarded a professional contract, allowing her to train full time.

She is one of only 20 players who have been signed up by the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

They will train five days a week throughout the season at Twickenham Stadium and Guildford's Surrey Sports Park, where they will receive medical, nutritional, lifestyle and psychological support.

“Although we don’t live in Darlington, we spend a lot of time training and playing here," she added.

“The fact that two world cup winners are from the area shows you don’t have to live in London to be successful in sport."

Taylor works as an RFU community coach in south Durham and said since her team’s win, interest in women’s rugby has soared.

The 33-year-old said: “There is a school in Bishop Auckland that has never done anything with girl’s rugby.

“Now they are working with the year 7 and 8s and are competing in a competition on Wednesday.”

Hosted by Mayor Gerald Lee, the civic reception saw many of the town’s key figures come together to celebrate the pair’s sporting success.

Addressing the crowd Mayor Lee said: “We feel we should thank you as members of Darlington Borough Council for the warm glow you have put on Darlington.

“It is quite wonderful to have two dedicated sportswomen in Darlington and I hope your win will encourage younger girls and ladies to get involved in sports.”