One current and three former students at St Mary’s University, Twickenham (SMU) have been selected for Team GB’s women’s rugby sevens squad ahead of the Paris Olympics.
SMU alumna Emma Uren has been named captain of the women’s squad, while current Applied Sport Psychology MSc student and SMU Gold scholar Lauren Torley and SMU alumna Ellie Kildunne have been selected for the main squad. Abi Burton, another SMU alumna, has been listed as a reserve for the squad.
These Olympic rugby sevens squad selections follow success for Ellie Kildunne at this year’s Six Nations tournament. Ellie was the leading point-scorer for the winning England team, scoring nine tries throughout the Six Nations. She also finished the tournament with the most carries, most metres gained, and most line-breaks for the team. During her time at SMU, Ellie was a Rugby Scholar studying Sport and Exercise Science.
Emma Uren and Abi Burton both previously competed for Team GB’s women’s rugby sevens squad at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
Speaking on her selections for Team GB Lauren Torley said, “Going to the Olympics has always been a dream of mine, as the Olympics has a unique way of bringing everyone together. To be selected is surreal and I cannot wait to go and represent our nations in the world's largest sporting event.”
Head of Sport St Mary’s Andrew Reid-Smith added, “A huge congratulations to Emma, Lauren, Ellie, and Abi on being selected for Team GB. All of them are exceptional players, and we’re looking forward to seeing them compete at the Olympic Games this summer."
These Team GB selections continue a proud history for St Mary’s in elite athletics events including the Olympic and Paralympic Games, with many former students having competed over the years. SMU alumni who have gone on to win medals at the Olympic and Paralympic Games include Sir Mo Farah, Rebecca Romero, Moe Sbihi, Matt Wells, and Corrine Hall.