England rugby star mural painted outside The Oval cricket ground

A mural of an England rugby star has been painted on the wall outside The Oval cricket ground to celebrate her achievements and her role in establishing the team as the number one ranked side in the world.  

Shaunagh Brown, an influential figure in women’s sport, is currently competing for the Red Roses in the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand against the world’s best teams.

The Red Roses have recorded 28 consecutive victories, the most of any male or female rugby team in history.

The 32-year-old England prop, who has made 28 appearances for the national side, was born and raised in Kennington.

She attended the nearby Walnut Tree Walk Primary School, and Addey and Stanhope School.

The murals were created by England Rugby licensee and renowned street artist collective, MurWalls, whose artists also created the player street art in Twickenham Stadium ahead of the 2022 Guinness Six Nations Championship. 

Ms Brown said: “While we don’t always ask to be role models, as professional athletes playing on the other side of the world we are, so I’m incredibly proud that aspiring young girls and boys, especially those of colour, can look to me in a very real way for inspiration.”

Pictured top: A mural of England Rugby player Shaunagh Brown, commissioned by England Rugby and O2, is unveiled outside The Oval cricket ground (Picture: Ben Whitley/PA Wire)