We are so excited for Ruby Butterfield in Year 11 who was amongst the 53 players who were named for the U16 England Boys' and Girls' Hockey squads for the 2022/2023 season.

A total of 26 boys and 27 girls were selected having been named in 'Observation Squads' in September and/or having attended a series of camps and assessment dates over the last few months.

By being part of the England Age Group Programme, Ruby will not only be in with the best possible chance to play again for her country against the home nations and other top European nations, she will also be participating regularly in a high performance environment through training days or training camps during the season. This is another exciting opportunity for Ruby to continue to grow and develop as a hockey player, as she continues her journey in the England Hockey Talent System Framework.

Ruby, who is the first-choice Goalkeeper for our School hockey team and is also a member of the 2nd team squad for Team Bath Buccaneers, said, “It was amazing to see my name among the list of players selected. I really couldn’t be happier. It feels great to be selected for a second year and I can't wait to see where this season will take me.”

Miss Baber, Director of Sport, said: “We are all so proud and delighted for Ruby. It is a massive honour to be chosen to represent your country and she thoroughly deserves this opportunity. We know how incredibly hard she has worked on and off the pitch to be the best she can be – her diligence to completing her programme around all her other commitments is impressive.

"For the Senior 1^st XI this season Ruby has been an invaluable player in her position and in her role as Vice-Captain. She has used her experience of performance hockey to be a leader, guiding and helping the team to be as successful as it can be. We could not be more pleased for her and hope she and her family feel rightly proud of her success.”

Find out more about Sport and Physical education at Royal High School Bath.