IT WAS a case of deja vu for Anya Richmond as she produced another try-scoring performance as England Under 20s slipped to a second defeat to France.

The 17-year-old from Burnley scored in the 40-14 defeat in Strasbourg last week and crossed again in the return fixture at Newbury RFC where France ran out 31-12 winners.

Despite the double defeat, Richmond says it has been her 'best ever' year in rugby and it could get even better with her side Loughborough Lightning in the play-off mix in the Women's Premier League.

"It has been a great year," said Richmond who is studying sports science at Loughborough College. "To have played for England Under 20s at my age and to be a part of the Lightning team who are doing so well in the Premiership is brilliant.

"Being in the England set-up has been a wonderful experience and to score two tries is something I will always remember."

Richmond turns her attentions to club duty now with Lightning taking on leaders Saracens knowing victory would secure a place in the top four.