TWO Ripon women's rugby stars are just a step away from playing for their country.

Caroline Bell, 21, of Newsham, near Thirsk and Sam Spence, 24, of Skipton, have clinched places in the England senior academy. The academy only takes in 39 players a year and is seen as the final stepping stone towards winning an England cap.

The duo play in the centre for Ripon Ladies RUFC, which has quickly earned a reputation as a heavyweight in the region after winning successive promotions over the past three seasons and now operates in the league's North division one.

They were among five of the club's key players who attended trials for the England academy, but were the only two to make it through a rigorous selection process. "They told us that if we are successful, committed and train hard then we could be playing for England in the next one to five years," said Spence.

Bell said: "They have already selected the England squad for the 2002 World Cup, so our aim has to be the next tournament in 2006."

She boosted her efforts to clinch an academy place by spending the summer in New Zealand, where she trained with the Auckland College Rifles.

"It was awesome," she said. "They had five players in the side from the Black Ferns, the women's version of the All Blacks, so I really learned a lot."

The pair are looking for sponsors and anyone interested can contact Miss Bell on 07989 443934.