Long terms dreams pay off for Watmore

In fact her rise to the top has been much longer in the making.

Her stunning form in England Sevens colours has massively caught the eye over the past 12 months in particular, but in winning her first XV cap in recent weeks, Watmore was fulfilling a dream more than a decade old.

Tipped for success on the international stage as a promising teenager, Watmore began the ladder to England recognition early, with inclusion in England U18, U19. Academy, Students and A squads and her ascent to the national side seemed destined to happen sooner rather than later.

But a change in personal circumstances and a move back home to Chester made life in rugby union a tougher prospect, given her location, and Watmore turned to rugby league to fulfil her sporting ambitions.

Id always dreamed of playing for England," she explains. "And I was on the right track but when I moved back it become really difficult because of where I was based. I took a step away from union in around 2007 and played league for three or four years. To be honest in those years I really did believe that that chapter of my life had ended so its a real bonus to be back involved now again.

Far from taking it easy in league after years of top level union training, Watmore rose to the top quickly, representing Great Britain at the World Cup in 2008 in Australia.

A return to union, came only when a call from England centre Rachael Burford invited her to head to Dubai in 2010 to play for invitational side Samarui. Watmore said yes to the invite and has never really looked back, having slotted seamlessly into that side which included the likes of Emily Scarrat, Kat Merchant and Nolli Waterman.

At that point I probably didnt think I would get a chance to play union at the highest level again but I thought going to Dubai would be enjoyable and a few months later I was involved in the England Sevens set-up which at the time was really taking off. It was probably a good thing I had a few years out and I think I needed that. Going back to Dubai last year with England was a really good experience as thats where it started again for me the year before.

Watmore has wasted no time in establishing herself as a Sevens star, applying world-class finishing efforts to her game almost every time she pulls an England shirt on.

Her stand-out memory from a jam-packed past 12 months was a tough 15-10 win over Australia in the final of the Hong Kong Sevens in front of a huge crowd.

That was definitely the toughest match I have been involved in. It was incredibly hard fought and quick and the ball stayed in play for 8 minutes which on a big page is hard going. There was a point when Heather Fisher and I looked at each other and had to encourage each other to carry on. Both teams were out on their feet so to come through and win it was a brilliant experience.

Another big experience for Watmore will come this weekend if she gets the call from the bench to run on for England for just her second cap in the 15 aside game. She won her first against France in recent weeks with a try-scoring cameo from the bench.

I was very proud to get a cap against France. It is something Id always wanted, to get a cap at this level and when I was younger and coming up through that ranks that was obviously my goal. It was special to line up to the anthems which we dont get to do in Sevens and it was just a really enjoyable occasion.

For coach Gary Street, presenting Watmore with her shirt in that game was also a special moment, as he explains.

Jos been on our radar since she was about 16 and was involved in our set-up from then. She was one of a group of very talented young players who I always believed could go all the way. I guess she was like the Emily Scarratt of her time then so it fantastic really to see her run out against France and now be in the mix this weekend.

Watmore is looking at a rather busy 2013 with the launch of the Womens World Sevens Series leading up to the 2013 World Cup, which all going well, shell play a big part in.

There are a number of sides shes looking forward to playing and watching in the coming year.

I always enjoy playing Australia whenever weve done it. I think theyre quite a similar team to us in how they play the game and so its always a real test and I think we are all looking forward to playing and watching New Zealand this year as we havent seen much of them.

Russia are another side definitely to look out for. They are already up there and the more they are exposed to the game the better they will get. They are very well drilled and are going to be a real threat.

They might not be as well-known but I also think Ukraine are going to get better and better. They are very fiesty and are a physical side who make life very difficult when youre playing them.

Watmore for her part; is also heavily involved in a Club campaign with Worcester who are sitting pretty at the top of the league.

I think the league is hugely competitive this year, more so than it has been in a while and I think a number of sides are capable of beating each other. Weve got two really tough games to come before Christmas against Bristol and Lichfield so were not really looking beyond that. Winning it would be fantastic but theres a long way to go.

Working fulltime in Chester for her family business, like most of Englands players Watmore juggles a tough training regime with her work.

Heres her typical training week.

Monday6am-7am: Recovery/ Robustness Session8am-4pm: Work5pm-7pm: Gym (EIS) Strength & Conditioning and Speed session (speed session involves lots of rest so working on max speed, while weights session involved Olympic lifts looking at getting more explosive powerful)Tuesday8am-4pm: Work6pm: Repeated speed. This is fitness work aiming to maintain speed with little rest in between.Wednesday8am-4pm: Work5pm-7pm: Gym (EIS) Strength & Conditioning weights work which at the moment involves weighted running sessions working on improving lower body strength.Thursday:6am: Hill session -high intensity interval training.8am-4pm: Work7pm-8.45 Club training at Worcester four hour round trip.Friday8am-4pm: Work4pm: WeightsSaturday:RestSundayMatch Day

Jo Watmore on:

Sevens World SeriesHugely exciting opportunity

Playing at TwickenhamA dream come true

Gary StreetMy first rugby union coach

Worcester's good formHard work and dedication

Best Player ever played withEmily Scarratt

Best player played againstSharni Williams

Favourite VenueTwickenham

Least Favourite VenueBristol (always cold and wet)