Catherine Spencer

Catherine Spencer, born on May 25, 1979 in Ashford, Kent, began her rugby journey at the age of nine, playing mini rugby with her brother at Folkestone RUFC. At 14, she transitioned to playing second row for Folkestone’s Ladies’ team and later converted to No. 8 while attending Cardiff University, where she captained her team in her final year. Her club career included stints with Worcester, Bristol, and Aylesford. Spencer earned 63 caps for the England national team and captained the squad for three seasons, from 2007 to 2010. During her captaincy, she led England to three consecutive Six Nations titles. She was recognized as England Player of the Year in 2006, received the Rugby Union Writers Club Award in 2010, and the Linda Uttley Award in 2011.

Spencer retired from international rugby in 2011, having achieved significant milestones such as playing in two World Cup finals (2006 and 2010) and scoring 18 tries for England. One notable achievement was leading England to their first victory over New Zealand in eight years during her 50th cap match at Twickenham in 2009, where she scored the only try. After her retirement from playing, Spencer established her own company, Inspiring Women, an agency that connects groups with motivational female speakers. She also authored the book “Mud, Maul, Mascara: How I Led My Country, and Lived to Tell the Tale.” In addition to her entrepreneurial work, Spencer became a teacher after the global pandemic impacted in-person speaking engagements. In September 2018, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from Canterbury Christ Church University for her contributions to women’s rugby and her continued efforts to inspire women and girls. In 2022, she expanded her career by commentating on matches for ITV during the 2021 Rugby World Cup.