Jamie George is the rugby inspiration fuelling Alana Bainbridge’s bid to star at a World Cup on home soil.

After captaining Yorkshire at Under-18 level, Bainbridge was always destined to go on and reach the highest level and soon made the move up to Newcastle for university.

Bainbridge, 20, is currently combining a law degree with playing for Allianz Premier 15s side DMP Sharks and although she faces the difficult prospect of third year exams, rugby remains her true passion.

The Leeds-born hooker has aspirations of following her sporting hero into the famous white jersey – England men’s hooker George.

She said: “Obviously Amy Cokayne and Lark Davies are amazing in the women's game.

“But I always think how cool and collected Jamie George is because when I get a bit stressed, everything goes wrong, he might be like a swan and absolutely flopping on the inside. 

“But he doesn't give that away. He's the level of calm I try to be, physically around the round the field, I play more like Luke Cowan-Dickie I think, trying to have an impact.

“I think my style of play is more like him than Jamie, but I think the position is changing.”

Representing England has always been a priority for Bainbridge and after injuries in the hooker position in camp, she was given the opportunity to represent her country at Under-20 level.

She added: “In January, I'd gone back into camp and the starting hooker had got Covid and concussion, so couldn't play.

“So the coach took a chance on me and I started the friendly against Scotland and then I was starting the two test matches too which was an incredible experience.”

And after representing her country at age group level, Bainbridge has quickly realised she has a taste for playing for the Red Roses.

With a key year in her academic life coming up, that will become her priority next year, but she has set herself a clear goal for 2025 – be at the World Cup on home soil.

She said: “I’m in my last year at university, so I've got to make sure that's right and is all squared off and nice and neat.

“In terms of rugby, with the World Cup coming up, I just want to keep chipping away at my own development.

“The Sharks are not in a particularly great place and haven't been in the last two seasons, I think we've won one match in two seasons. 

“But playing against those people that I used to watch and look up to is invaluable.

“Then after uni, I’m looking to move back home to potentially move into a higher standard team with more funding and more resources.

“Then of course the ultimate dream would be the 2025 World Cup at home.”

Entain, owner of Ladbrokes and Coral, is proud to be championing the next generation of British sporting heroes by providing talented young athletes with financial support and personal development opportunities in partnership with SportsAid. Visit entaingroup.com to find out more