Thirsk Sharks are celebrating after the RFUW announced that 17 of their squad have been selected for international duty for the coming season.

Katy McLean, Sarah Beale, Michaela Staniford and Sam Spence have been chosen for the England elite squad, while Thirsk captain Hannah Dawson, Jane Leonard and Joanne Watmore are in the England Academy squad.

Abby Blackburn, Helen Clewer, Roz Crowley, Kayleigh Hutchinson, Rosie Mangle, Ollie Poore, Nikki Roche, Hannah Shield, Lorna Smith and Kelly Wallis will play for England under-19s.

The club's director of women's rugby, Mick Hamill, said: "I'm delighted for all the girls who have been selected for international duty. These girls train incredibly hard, as do all of the Sharks, but I'm especially pleased for Michaela who has leapt from under-19 last season to the elite.

"It is a testament to her commitment and desire to succeed. It is a great accolade for all the players and Thirsk Sharks as a club."

The club are based at the Athletic Club on Newsham Road, Thirsk, where they play all home fixtures. The Sharks train twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays 7.15-9pm, and play on Sundays.

They now boast two teams - the firsts play in Premier One, the highest league in the country, while the seconds are in North East Three.

The teams are sponsored by TeleWare plc of Thirsk, whose owner Geoff Haworth is a great supporter. The company have provided full playing and training kit for both teams in their new black with silver motif designs.

The Sharks have four coaching staff - Mick Hamill, Jo Hull, Anthony Corps and Ian Hilton - and two sports therapists, Ivan Whitfield and Emma Ratcliff, who keep both squads fit and ready for the opposition.

Thirsk RUFC chairman, Joe Salmon, is delighted at the Sharks' success. He said: "Since they joined us three years ago they have gone from strength to strength, successfully fighting their way into the top league in the country and getting a strong second team off the ground."

Thirsk always welcome new players, whatever their experience or ability. Anyone interested in coming along to a training session should call Katie Bell on 07989 443967. Lifts can always be arranged as players travel from all over Yorkshire and the North-East to play for Thirsk.

The Sharks' next home fixture is on Saturday, December 4 against Saracens, kicking off at noon. The seconds will be at home on Sunday, December 12 against Huddersfield. All support is welcome.