College teaching trio line-up together for Scotland in Six Nations

Three staff members from Loughborough College have been selected for Scotland’s first team in the Women’s Rugby Six Nations Championship.

Jenny Maxwell, scrum-half, Leah Bartlett, loosehead prop, and Helen Nelson, stand-off, are gearing up to play their second game this weekend against Wales. All three are Elite Sport Assessors on Loughborough College’s Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) Programme, with Leah also being a former Loughborough College learner. 

Jenny, Leah and Helen all played in Scotland’s 5-57 defeat at the hands of England in the opening game but are hoping for better luck this weekend.

Jon Wyse, Deputy Manager of the College’s DiSE Programme, said: “I’m incredibly proud of Jenny, Helen and Leah for being selected for the Scottish team.

“Their dedicated hard-work has enabled them to excel in their sporting careers, and we’ve seen up close the progress they’ve continued to make over the past few years.

“Helen continues to excel in both 15s and 7s, and was part of the pre-Olympic GB Training Squad for Tokyo 2020. Jenny also excels in 15s and 7s, and her personal journey working back into the team from knee surgery is a testament to her tenacity and determination. Leah has continued to excel, moving from being at Loughborough College as a learner on the Level 3 BTEC in Sport, DiSE in Rugby Union, and a Degree in Applied Sport Science.

“As current members of staff, it is great for our current students to get first-hand experience and advice from the professionals and witness real-life success in Women’s Rugby. All three also represent the Loughborough Lightning in the Allianz Premier 15s, when not on international duty.

“I wish Jenny, Helen and Leah all the best for their game this weekend.”

Loughborough College’s DiSE programme gears students up to develop as young athletes, as well as prepare them for employment both in and out of their sport.

Learners on the Women’s RFU Rugby Programme engage with international stars, performance psychologists and sports nutritionists in the pursuit of progressing to Loughborough’s first team, Loughborough Lightning.