Key Facts
| Squad | Richmond |
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| Position | Hooker |
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| Age | 30 |
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| Height | 1.62m (5'4") |
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| Weight | 72kg (11st 4lb) |
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| Caps | 38 |
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Making up for lost time has been a priority for Emma Croker, who did not take up rugby until the age of 20 at University College, Chichester. She obtained a BA (Hons) in Physical Education there to set her on a career path that has led to an appointment as head of physical education at Swakeleys School for Girls in Hillingdon, Middlesex. Her ambition is to become a deputy head teacher.
Emma had joined Richmond, the club she captained in 2008-09, from university in 2003, having represented England Students in 2002-03 before progressing to the England Academy from 2003-05. Then followed representative appearances for England A and the first of her full caps in 2006. She went on to play for England Sevens in the World Cup staged in Dubai when her side won the Plate.
Born in Chelmsford, she is a product of Downham Primary School, Ramsden Heath and Mayflower County High School in Billericay. Her mentor is coach Karen Findlay at the Richmond club where she has played more than 100 games and won the player of the season, most improved player and Sevens player of the year awards. Emma’s mother is also the Richmond Women’s manager.
Scoring a try at Twickenham to achieve a Sevens’ victory over New Zealand is Emma’s highlight, along with the 2010 World Cup final and HQ is her favourite ground. As for touring, she has been to South Africa and Montpellier with Richmond and Canada, Madrid, Dubai, San Diego and Amsterdam on England duty.
She played off the bench for Vicky Fleetwood against France in the FIRA-AER European Cup final that England won 29-25 at Rovereto, Italy last May. That tournament also saw Emma return to international action after taking some time out from rugby to have a baby with her husband, James.
Emma played in all four Test matches last autumn that produced a win over France and three over New Zealand and won her 35th cap against Ireland at Ashbourne in February this year. She appeared subsequently in the starting side against France at Twickenham and off the bench when England scored 34 points without reply from Italy at Esher and then in the 20-16 win over Wales at Aberavon.
Last updated: March 19, 2013
