“It was amazing” – York star Savannah Andrade on representing Jamaica in Rugby 7s

Drew Darbyshire

Photo courtesy of York City Knights and SWpix

York star Savannah Andrade was incredibly proud to represent her Jamaican heritage in Rugby 7s.

The 21-year-old, who plays for York in the Women’s Super League, recently flew out to Los Angeles and joined up with Jamaica for the Quest For Gold 7s tournament as she made her debut for Jamaica.

Jamaica took on the USA and Mexico in the USA, with Andrade bagging a brace against the latter.

Andrade, who was part of the Bradford squad that went the year unbeaten in 2017, says she was honoured that she got to represent her Jamaican heritage.

She told Love Rugby League: “It was amazing being able to represent Jamaica. It is such a strong country and I think everyone was chuffed that I was representing my country just as much as I was.

“My family were shocked when I first told them (I was going to be playing) but they were really happy for me and every time I had matches my parents stayed up until like 1am watching me.

“They were really happy for me and put a Facebook post on saying how proud they were of me. I definitely made them proud.”

Andrade, who works as a Covid tester, joined York back in May and has impressed since linking up with her new club.

She helped the City Knights reach the Women’s Challenge Cup final by scoring hat-trick in the semi-final win over Castleford.

Andrade said: “I was at Bradford since I was 16 so it was a big change going to York but I think it was definitely needed and it came at the right time for me.

“It was amazing to be in the final. There was a lot of media around it and it was such a big game but we played as well as we could. St Helens are obviously a great team but just to be part of the experience was amazing.

“We all loved it and for us to get there so quickly makes us think about what can we bring in the years ahead if thats how quickly we can get to the final.”

Photo courtesy of York City Knights and SWpix

It has been a meteoric rise for the Women’s Super League, which was only founded in 2017, and Andrade sees so much more potential for it.

She added: “The talent is just amazing and it is only going to get better and better.

“There has been a big push in the media with it as well and I’m just hoping that it brings loads of new players over the next few years which I’m sure it will.”

Andrade, whose brother is Jamaica RL international Jordan, also has aspirations of representing England in rugby league.

She added: “I would love to represent England in rugby league if the opportunity arises.

“Hopefully I can showcase my talent here at York so I can possibly get selected again.”

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