Key Facts
| Squad | Wasps |
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| Position | Lock/Number 8 |
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| Age | 29 |
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| Height | 1.8m (5'11") |
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| Weight | 76kg (11st 13lb) |
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| Caps | 51 |
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Two years in the England Students team prefaced the launch of Joanna McGilchrist’s Test career. She attributes some of her success to Graham Smith, the England forwards’ coach and her own achievements include being Wasps’ Newcomer and Player of the Year.
In four seasons at senior international level she has won 51 caps and celebrated her half-century landmark with her fifth Test try against Italy at Esher in March this year. Her appearances include the 2010 WRWC against Ireland and the USA at the Surrey Sports Park in Guildford and against Australia in the semi final when she was the Sky Sports HD Player of the Match.
She rates the 10-3 win over New Zealand at Twickenham in November 2009 as the outstanding moment in her career and the 2010 WRWC final against the same opponents as her most memorable game.
Joanna’s Sevens debut in the ‘non cap’ France International tournament at Marcoussis last October brought her a try in the second match in which France A were beaten 19-5 and another touchdown in the fourth game when England ran in six tries when scoring 42 unanswered points against Germany.
Born in Chichester, she attended St Bees School in Cumbria and New Park, St Andrews before going to university and gaining a BSc in Fashion and Textile Retailing and a BSc in Physiotherapy. She is a physiotherapist at West Middlesex University Hospital.
Joanna has toured Canada and away from rugby, threw the javelin and played rounders for Scotland. Her hobbies are sleeping “because of all the training” and shopping at Borough Market, London’s most renowned food outlet.
Players she most admires are Simon Shaw, the perennially consistent Toulon and former London Wasps, England and British & Irish Lions lock, Richie McCaw, David Pocock, Pierre Spies and Ali Williams.
Joanna has played in the second row throughout her career and rates Twickenham Stadium as her favourite ground.
Last updated: March 19, 2013
