I want to inspire like Finn Russell – Aitchisonpublished at 14:00 GMT 7 November
14:00 GMT 7 November
Mike Henson
BBC Sport rugby union news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption,
Holly Aitchison of Sale Sharks
Arriving at Sale Sharks as part of a high-profile revamp, Holly Aitchison has made one big move this summer.
She is adamant she won’t be making a second.
“[England head coach] John Mitchell has made it pretty clear to me that I can cover different positions, but I am a 10,” she told BBC Sport.
“And I won’t be seen as anything else.”
A year ago, the question wouldn’t have been asked.
At WXV in Canada, Aitchison was the Red Roses’ starting fly-half, steering them to title-clinching victories over New Zealand and Canada.
Her playmaking and running abilities were a key part of diversifying England’s threat, ensuring that, come the Rugby World Cup in England, they would have more cutting edges than a bandsaw.
It didn’t turn out like that.
Zoe Harrison edged in front as first-choice 10, with Aitchison shifted into the centres or on to the bench.
An ankle injury in the run-up to the Rugby World Cup meant Aitchison struggled to challenge for her spot, only appearing in the knock-out stages and then being deployed as a midfield replacement in the semi-final and final victories over France and Canada respectively.
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