Rocky Clark and band of Golden Girls in mammoth charity challenge

Rivals on the pitch and teammates off it, Rocky Clark and her band of Golden Girls have reunited for another mammoth charity challenge.

Clark and fellow rugby icons Amy Garnett, Tamara Taylor and Donna Kennedy have seen and done it all across their storied careers, combining to total over 400 caps for their respective countries.

They've since teamed up to form the Golden Girls, named after the groundbreaking American television series that aired between 1985 and 1992, embarking on adventures of friendship, challenges and laughter.

Their latest outing has seen Clark, Garnett, Taylor and Kennedy attempt a 700-mile cycle in aid of the 4Ed Foundation, supporting families affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND), encompassing every venue featured at this year's World Cup.

“We are very motivated to help find a cure," said Clark. "It’s very close to our hearts and we know people that have it so it’s really important that we do our part.

“We’ve formed this Golden Girls group with myself, Donna, Tam and Amy to do these types of challenges and raise money for charity.

“It’s lovely to give back, do some good and spread the word and as it’s during this Women’s World Cup, we’re getting the message out for women’s rugby as well."

Like the rest of the host nation, Clark has loved seeing the Red Roses excel in the World Cup so far and feels the trajectory will only go one way.

"I’ve been absolutely buzzing to see how much the game has grown," she said.

"From the support, the fanbase and the sell-out stadiums. It’s a really proud moment and it’s been lovely to be acknowledged as trailblazers and helping the game get to where it is.

“The rugby has just been incredible. I’ve been so pleased to see other countries develop and do so well, particularly Scotland and South Africa and Australia and so It's been great to see other countries stand up.”

Though their journey will cover 700 miles in total, the route has been split into two legs, with the first covering Sunderland, York, Manchester and Northampton already completed.

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The second will see the quartet cycle through Exeter, Bristol and Brighton & Hove before dismounting at Twickenham Stadium for the World Cup final.

“Going through the Peak District was absolutely horrific,” revealed Clark. “It really tested our mental strength and our bodies were pushed to the max. Getting off the bike and trying to get back on it the next day was horrendous.

“Every part of you hurt and you can imagine where particularly it hurts! We were freezing and miles from anywhere but we just had to keep going and having each other push us through and motivate and encourage was so lovely.

“I’ve known Donna for loads of years, played against her internationally and at club level and to go from that to now be a teammate on the cycle is incredible.

“It’s the same for Amy and Tamara. With Amy, I’ve packed down with her so many times for England and saw her get her 100th cap and that was a wonderful moment.

“I’ve grown up with Tam really. We both started at Henley Rugby Club when we were 15. To be opponents on the field and best mates still helping each other out is really special.

“It was like being on the pitch in the last 10 minutes, where you’ve got to give it everything for that shirt.”

Follow the Golden Girls on their journey @goldengirlsrugby.

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