England women’s forward Tamara Taylor is set to take on the world’s toughest challenge and climb Mount Everest alongside former internationals Andy Gomarsall, Shane Williams and Ollie Phillips in aid of charity.
The quartet aim to set two Guinness World Records by playing the highest game of touch rugby in history and raise a minimum of £200,000 for children’s charity Wooden Spoon.
Taylor, who captained England at the 2015 Women’s Six Nations Championships, will attempt the feat in April 2019 after trekking over five days to reach 6500 metres above sea level and then play the record breaking contest.
And despite an innate fear of heights, the 2017 Women’s Six Nations Champion has issued a rallying call to get more volunteers to try the epic challenge.
“I’m afraid of heights and get that tingly feeling in my hands and feet when I look over the edge of something high, in fact, I’m getting it now just thinking about it,” she told the RFU.
“I want to raise vital funds for Wooden Spoon and break a World Record. I need some more girls to join me.”
The LMAX Exchange Everest Rugby Challenge will raise money to fund projects to help children and young people with disabilities and facing disadvantage across the UK and Ireland.
The 36-year-old lock formed a crucial part of England’s 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup winning side that beat Canada 21-9 in the final – England’s first triumph since 1994.
She was also part of the England squad that finished as runners up in the 2018 Women’s Six Nations and will be back in action for Darlington Mowden Park Sharks in the new season.
