WOMEN'S rugby legend Danielle Waterman has announced her retirement from playing, having made her way from Minehead Barbarians to World Cup glory with England.
Born in Taunton, 'Nolli' came through at Minehead as a youngster, before going on to make her mark on the international stage.
The 35-year-old full-back won 82 caps and scored 47 tries for her country over a 15-year spell, after making her debut as an 18-year-old in 2003 - the youngest player to represent England at the time.
She helped the Red Roses win the World Cup in 2014 - scoring a try in the final against Canada - before retiring from international rugby in 2018, having also helped England win seven Women's Six Nations titles.
Waterman also became an Olympian in 2016, representing Great Britain in rugby sevens in Rio.
She continued playing club rugby for Wasps Ladies, but has now called time on her playing career to focus on other ventures, having already gained broadcasting experience as part of Channel 4's European Rugby Champions Cup coverage last season.
I think this little girl would struggle to believe the journey she was about to start.....! But it’s now time to start the next chapter 🏉❤️ #retired
— Danielle (Nolli) Waterman (@nolli15) September 6, 2020
To everyone who I have shared this hectic journey with and met along the way, thank you for all the love, support & memories ☺️ pic.twitter.com/ByhhKICnd1
Many famous faces took time to congratulate Waterman, including Ireland icon Brian O’Driscoll, who said: “Congrats Nolli on a really great career.”
Former England star Ugo Monye said: "Congrats on a great career and good luck for all that's to come."
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