LUDLOW’S Lark Davies played 66 minutes for England Women’s Under-20 rugby team in a 27-0 defeat against France.

Lark, who plays at hooker, featured for England in their tough opening match of the season at the Stadium Pierre Brisson in Beauvais on Saturday.

The defeat leaves England without a win against France since 2011.

Lark plays her club rugby with Worcester and will be hoping to retain her place in England’s team for the return match against France at Usher Rugby Club on February 22.

England head coach Amanda Bennett said: ”A lot of what we have been working on over the last couple of months was put into practice, and we are going in the right direction. Today was certainly a new experience for several of our players who have never experienced rugby with their ferocity and pace before.

“We now have three weeks to make the step up before our next match about France, and although it is a quick turnaround that’s a good thing.

“The players are hurting right now and we want them to use that energy and put it right against France. We want another shot at them as soon as possible.”