Jess Breach Reflects on Historic Achievement Ahead of Potential 50th Cap
Jess Breach described reaching 50 tries for England as a "phenomenal" milestone and expressed how much it would mean to earn her 50th cap in her home county.
The 27-year-old wing extended her tally to 52 tries with a hat-trick in England’s recent Rugby World Cup victory over Samoa. Breach is only the fifth England player to achieve this feat, reaching the mark in her 49th appearance. She now has the opportunity to secure her 50th cap against Australia this weekend in Brighton.
"Scoring 50 tries is an incredible feeling, but the forwards and inside backs played a huge role in creating those opportunities," she said. "It means everything—there’s so much history with the Red Roses, and to pass this mark is amazing. Ellie [Kildunne] and Abby [Dow] will likely get there soon too, which is great because we're all playing at our best right now."
"Getting 50 caps for my country would be just as special, especially if it happens in my home county. It’s never been held in Sussex before, so that would make it even more memorable. But we’ll see what Mitch [head coach John Mitchell] decides."
While Breach celebrated her achievement, Samoa also had a significant moment, securing their first World Cup points in 11 years. Fly-half Harmony Vatau converted a penalty from a scrum, prompting jubilant celebrations.
"They’ve done brilliantly to be here, and they really stepped up," Breach noted. "It wasn’t an easy match for us, and seeing how much those three points meant to them was fantastic. Their excitement after the game was special—they deserved that moment."
Meanwhile, England prop Sarah Bern highlighted the importance of inspiring confidence, crediting former Bristol Bears teammate Ilona Maher for encouraging her to embrace her personality more openly.
"Ilona once filmed me and said, ‘You have a great personality—share it,’" Bern recalled. "I’m grateful for her support. She and her family have been incredible advocates for women’s rugby."
Bern has featured in both of England’s World Cup matches but is competing with Maud Muir for the starting role.
"There’s a lot of mutual respect between us," Bern said. "We’re similar in some ways but very different in others, so it’s about what’s best for the team."
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