Sporty soprano visits Chelmsley Wood

WRIGHT ON: Laura trains with students at the Grace Academy

CLASSICAL singer Laura Wright recently swapped the hallowed turf of Twickenham for Chelmsley Wood’s sports pitches
The 24-year-old, known to millions as the England rugby team’s official anthem singer, took part in a training session with students at the Grace Academy.
As an ambassador for the All Schools Rugby campaign, Laura is currently touring the country, working to promote the sport at a local level.
As an avid player herself – she is a full-back for a women’s team in London – she is also hoping to inspire more girls to get involved.
“I loved playing all kinds of sport when I was at school, however rugby was not an option; a missed opportunity I feel.
"I have found the sport now in my 20s but, if rugby was introduced to women at a younger age, their potential could be realised sooner and for greater results.

“A sport with such complex rules and the discipline needed takes time to learn and I feel it has just as rightful a place as hockey, tennis and netball.”
The former Brit Award-nominee, who has also performed at Wembley and the Olympic Stadium, was joined at the training session by players from Moseley Rugby Club.
Grace Academy Principal Darren Gelder said it had been “fantastic” to welcome Laura to the school and felt that, on the day, it was the female players who had taken the bragging rights.
“I thought the girls gave the boys a whopping,” he said.
The training session was such a success that a follow-up fixture was arranged almost immediately – the sporty soprano invited the students to join her on stage at the Bramall Hall, Birmingham.
In front of a packed venue, the Grace Academy team joined Laura in a chorus of Jerusalem.

• From this month's edition of Other Side of Solihull. Available to download and view online.