20 Questions: Katy McLean – England Women 7s

Enjoying your stint in 7s?
It’s been a massive learning curve as it’s a completely different game. But it’s a really good experience, the six months has flown by and the 7s World Cup is a week away.
How’s prep for Moscow gone?
Brilliant! The hard graft is in the bank now and it’s going to be an amazing experience stepping out at the Olympic Stadium. We simply can’t wait.
You’re mostly 15s players normally, aren’t you?
Yes. Unlike the men, they’ve chosen the best players from the women’s programme. The majority of us played in the Women’s 15s World Cup in 2010.
Will you resume 15s after Moscow?
Yes. We come back on Monday-week, then on the Saturday we head to Auckland for three full Test matches against New Zealand.
Wow.. that’s quite a schedule?
I know, but it’s very exciting. The first Test is at Eden Park. I went there during the men’s World Cup in 2011 and it’ll be amazing to actually play there.
The Black Ferns are familiar foes now?
Yes, we get a lot of exposure to them. You want to play the best and it’s great that the RFU are giving us these opportunities before the 2014 World Cup.
Does the 2010 World Cup final defeat to NZ still rankle?
It never goes away but that’s what drives you on. We learnt a lot from that so we’re looking to make up for that disappointment next year in France.
Did hosting WC 2010 have the legacy intended?
Definitely! We’ve played New Zealand nine times since and have enjoyed loads of TV and media coverage. Plus women’s rugby is the country’s fastest growing sport.
How did you get into rugby?
My dad, David, played for Westoe, our local club in South Shields, and I got involved at five or six, just wanting to have a go.
Do you have a rugby hero?
Jonny Wilkinson! He’s a top bloke and I kicked with him before the last World Cup. His work ethic is immense but he’s down-to-earth and easy to chat to.
How do you chill out?
I’m really sociable and enjoy any opportunity to go out for a nice meal, indulge in a bit of normal non-rugby chat and enjoy a couple of glasses of wine.
Your favourite cuisine is?
At the moment a nice risotto or pasta. I’m a dreadful cook but luckily two of the girls I live with are amazing cooks and mum’s great as well.
Play any other sports at school?
I loved hockey and still play socially now. I also enjoyed football, running and anything that involved a ball, although I always preferred team sports.
Used to work for Sunderland FC, didn’t you?
Yes. I was a family learning officer working in deprived areas with children who left school with no qualifications. It was a brilliant job, really interesting.
What are you doing now?
I run a primary school reception class at Bexhill Academy in Sunderland, teaching everything to four and five-year-olds.
Class yourself as a Geordie or a Mackem?
Neither! Being from South Shields makes you a Sand Dancer in these parts. There’s a big difference and we’re very proud of it.
Superstitions or rituals?
I used to always put my right sock on first, but I forgot one day and didn’t break anything or die so that’s gone out of the window.
Best and worst banter in the England camp?
Emily Scarratt is the worst and has dreadful chat. Best is Claire Allan, who’s come right out of her shell and is at the heart of everything. She deals grief out evenly!
Best and worst dressed?
Heather Fisher is worst, she just puts random clothes on. Best would have to be Mo Hunt, who’s just a cool kid and has all the latest gear.
Pet hates and annoyances?
People who tell lies, drivers who dawdle along at 22mph in a 30mph area, people who stop in front of you in doorways or at the top of escalators… shall I carry on? (Ed: No!)