FORMER Monmouth student Izzy Noel-Smith is set for the biggest match of her life on Saturday when reigning champions England take on New Zealand in the Women’s Rugby World Cup final.
Noel-Smith, who attended Monmouth School for Girls, helped England to a 20-3 win against France in Tuesday’s semi-final, coming off the bench just past the hour mark to replace Marlie Packer.
The Black Ferns thrashed USA 45-12 in their semi to seal a spot in the final in Belfast (kick-off 7.45pm).
England had set up their clash with France after defeating Spain 56-5, Italy 56-13 and USA 47-27 to top Pool B.
New Zealand led Pool A after beating Wales 44-12, hammering Hong Kong 121-0 and toppling Canada 48-5.
Noel-Smith, a flanker, started playing in the junior section at Monmouth RFC before joining Hereford-based Greyhound, Cullompton, Bath and now Bristol.
Away from rugby, the 29-year-old, who grew up in Herefordshire, is a trained primary school teacher who works in Bath.
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