Black Pear gong for rugby player - The Worcester Observer

Black Pear gong for rugby player

Worcester Editorial 11th Jan, 2017   0

A WORCESTER rugby player has been named as the latest recipient of the prestigious Black Pear Tree Award.

Rochelle ‘Rocky’ Clark MBE, of the Worcester Valkyries, has been honoured with the award by World Class Worcestershire for her outstanding sporting achievements, which have championed the county and helped to raise its profile.

The prop, who is the most capped player in the history of women’s international rugby, with 115 caps for England, will be presented with the award at Sixways by members of World Class Worcestershire in the next few months.

Since joining the Valkyries in 2010, Rochelle has gone onto win the Rugby World Cup with England in 2014 and away from the game, she works as a rugby coach and personal trainer.




The 35-year-old joins Olympic star Alex Gregory and Paralympic heroes Lauren Rowles, Claire Cashmore, Haj Bhania and Rebecca Redfern in receiving the accolade.

Rochelle, who was given an MBE in 2015 for her services to rugby, said: “I’m thrilled to be presented with a Black Pear Tree. I love playing for the Worcester Valkyries and enjoy my time in Worcestershire. This is a real honour and I’m looking forward to planting the tree.”


Coun Lucy Hodgson, cabinet member with responsibility for localism and communities, said: “Worcestershire has always been a melting pot of talent and the Black Pear Tree Award is a way of highlighting that talent, whether in sport, business or educational fields.

“Rochelle, just like the Olympians and Paralympians who received an award back in October, highlight a positive message to us all that hard work and determination will help you to achieve your goals.

“This message of positivity is something we look to promote off the back of World Class Worcestershire, so we would encourage more people to submit a nomination for these most deserving of awards.”

Visit www.worldclassworcestershire.co.uk to nominate someone for the award or for more information.

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