The 28 year teacher from South Shields is only the second England Womens player to receive such an honour behind flanker Maggie Alphonsi.

“I’m absolutely shocked to receive an MBE and it’s not something I ever expected I’d get,” said Mclean.

“It’s a huge honour and it’s for all the people who have helped me and for all those who’ve worked so hard to bring the women’s game forward. They deserve a massive thank you.”

Growing up in a sporting family, Katy was introduced to rugby at her local club Westoe where she remained until the age of 12. After a brief spell playing regional hockey she returned to the sport she loves at the age of 18.

She is quoted saying when “Most girls were playing with their Barbies, I was rolling around in the mud. It’s such a big part of my life”.

On her return to the sport Katy found herself at the doorstep of Darlington Mowden Park. Here she has become a key member of the Women’s Premiership team the DMP Sharks. Katy quickly moved up the ranks in England Rugby. Since making her debut in 2007, Katy has become a mainstay in the England set and has established herself as a dangerous point scorer.

Katy impressively splits her time between teaching at the Sunderland based Bexhill Academy, the DMP Sharks and England rugby. She is now planning to take some time off teaching in order to concentrate on rugby in the build up to the 6 nations and Women’s World Cup.

RFU Article:
http://www.rfu.com/news/2013/december/news-articles/311213_mbe_mcleanquotes