Former Harlequins and England star Amy Turner has earned a Rugby World Cup internship.

Turner, who collected 59 caps for England, will join Red Roses head coach Simon Middleton’s coaching staff for the next 12 months

She said: "I’m absolutely thrilled and really grateful for this opportunity. There are so many talented coaches in the domestic leagues and to be given this opportunity, knowing those coaches are out there, I was completely taken back, very surprised and grateful.

“I’m looking forward to getting started. There will be so many different facets that I’ll be able to impact and learn from. I’m excited to go on a year-long journey of helping to prepare a team for a World Cup campaign.

“Being a part of that is pretty special. I’ve been there as a player and to be part of the coaching staff is something completely new."

World Rugby set up the internships for female coaches for every team that will compete at next year’s Rugby World Cup being held in New Zealand.

The aim for the programme is to get more female coaches into the sport across both the men’s and women’s game.

And Rugby Football Union head of women’s performance, Nicky Ponsford added: "We’re delighted that Amy will be linking up with our senior team coaching set-up for the build-up to and during next year’s World Cup. 

“We were seeking a young, aspiring coach, in the early stage of their career and Amy was the outstanding candidate. Amy is a dedicated, talented young coach with an infectious personality, enthusiasm and willingness to develop."