Biography
Karen Jane Almond, born on December 18, 1962, in Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom, is a former international rugby union player. She played as a fly-half and made a significant mark in the history of women’s rugby in both Great Britain and England. Almond began her sporting journey in athletics and football before transitioning to rugby. She became one of the early female rugby internationals, debuting for Great Britain in 1986, scoring two tries in her first match against France. In 1988, she made her debut for England, leading the team to several memorable victories during her career. Almond’s leadership and exceptional performances on the field earned her recognition, culminating in her appointment as captain of the England national team. Her sporting achievements were further recognized when she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2002 for her contributions to rugby.
Teams and Years Played
- Wasps (1990–1991): Karen Almond was one of the founding members of the Wasps women’s rugby team, contributing significantly to its early success.
- Saracens (1991–1996): After the 1991 Rugby World Cup, Almond moved to the Saracens, where she played a pivotal role and was involved in a tour of New Zealand in 1996.
- Canterbury (New Zealand) (1997–1998): After moving to New Zealand following the 1996 tour, she joined Canterbury, playing provincial rugby until her retirement in 1998.
International Caps
- Represented Great Britain from 1986 to 1990.
- Represented England from 1988 to 1994, earning 8 caps in total.
Career Highlights
- Rugby World Cup 1991: Almond captained England in the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup, where they finished as runners-up after losing to the United States in the final.
- Rugby World Cup 1994: Almond was once again captain and played a crucial role in England’s victory over the United States in the final, scoring 13 points. This victory made her the first English rugby captain to lift a World Cup trophy.
- Retirement and Legacy: Almond retired from international rugby after the 1994 World Cup, with her last match being the World Cup final. She later settled in New Zealand and briefly played football before fully retiring from professional sports.
Karen Almond’s career left a lasting impact on women’s rugby, particularly in England, where she is remembered not only for her achievements but also for her leadership and pioneering role in the sport.