Age

16

Sophia Jefferies

Sophia has been immersed in high-level sport from an early age, growing up in a family where performance, commitment, and rugby excellence are simply part of everyday life. Her mother competed at an elite level, representing Reading RFC Women, Henley RFC Women, and England Ladies B, and continues to support the game through the rugby charity Wooden Spoon. Her father progressed through every level at Clifton RFC from Minis to 1st XV and Veterans with career highlights including winning National 2 with Camberley RFC and representing the British Army. 

Sophia’s two brothers are equally committed to the sport. Both represent North Dorset RFC, with Arthur selected for the Bath Rugby Academy U15 programme. Her older brother Max is currently playing club rugby in Australia with Wynnum Rugby Union Club in Brisbane. Educated at Clifton College, Sophia trains in a performance driven environment influenced by former England international Danny Grewcock. 

Sophia has competed at the prestigious National Schools Sevens, representing her school at national level. A committed member of Ultimate 7s under Chantel Miell for a few years, recently touring internationally and winning the Lisbon U16 Sevens competition, a significant achievement that highlights her impact in the shortened format of the game.

At club level, she has represented North Dorset RFC, Kingsbridge RFC, and currently plays for Dings Crusaders RFC, consistently competing in strong rugby environments that demand physicality, game intelligence, and resilience. For the past two seasons, Sophia has also been selected for the Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union Under 16 squad as part of the England Rugby Development Player Pathway (ERDPP) for U16 Girls. This represents a key milestone in her progression, placing her within the national talent identification and development structure and recognising her potential at county and pathway level. Sophia’s journey reflects not only a strong sporting heritage but her own discipline, competitiveness, and ambition to perform at the highest level available to her age group.