Amanda Bennett (rugby union)

Amanda Bennett

Date of birth	(1964-07-24) 24 July 1964
Height	5 ft 6 in (168 cm)
University	Loughborough University
Rugby union career
Senior career Years Team Apps (Points) Saracens Women (0) International career Years Team Apps (Points) 1986 Great Britain 2 1987–1996 Wales Coaching career Years Team Saracens B Wales 2007 England 2011–2014 England U-20

Amanda Bennett (born 24 July 1964) is a former Welsh rugby union player. She represented Wales at the 1991 and 1994 Women's Rugby World Cup's.

Biography

Bennett participated in netball, hockey, and judo while growing up. She was introduced to rugby while attending Loughborough University.

Rugby career

Bennett represented Great Britain in their first international match against France in 1986. Great Britain was later split into England and Wales. She made her international debut for Wales against England in 1987, a first for both teams.

In 1989 Bennett and several international players founded the Saracens Women's rugby team. She retired from international rugby in 1996 but continued to play club rugby before retiring altogether in 2000.

Coaching career

Bennett while nearing the end of her playing career helped coach the Saracen's B team. She then became the Head Coach for Wales before stepping down from the role. She returned to coaching Saracens before becoming an elite England coach in 2004. Bennett then led England to win the 2007 European Championship.

Bennett stepped back from international coaching in 2007. She continued coaching Saracens until 2010. In 2011 she was appointed Head Coach of the England Women's U20s up to 2014.