Sussex players Laura Jenkins and Ellen Small will help make rugby history.

They are in England's first female under-18s team for the match against Wales at Chester on Sunday.

Laura, who plays No.8, is vice captain and Ellen, a centre, is on the substitutes' bench.

Laura is a pupil at Varndean College, Brighton and joined the Hove club from Crawley this season. She said: "It feels good to be a part of history.

"It's a real breakthough for women's rugby because it is a stepping stone to the England senior team, which is what I am aiming for. The women's World Cup is next month and that is something I would love to be involved in one day.

"In a way, the Welsh match will be daunting because I'm normally a flanker. I'm pack leader and will have to make a lot more decisions. I'm quite bossy on the field so I should be okay.

"I've been a part of national development squads for three years and learned skills and improved my fitness, but at last I can play in a match. I can't wait.

"I think the reason it has taken so long is financial. But with the England women's team winning the Six Nations this year, the profile has been raised.

"It's still not perfect. Unlike football and cricket, women's rugby isn't affiliated to the main governing body. It means there still isn't much money in it and we have to contribute towards expenses and play in old shirts that we may not be allowed to keep.

"It's nothing like the boys who get three new shirts.

"It's traditional for the boys' to get the support, but it is a wrong tradition.

"But playing female under-18s internationals shows things are improving."

Laura, 18, who is half-Welsh, started playing mini rugby in mixed sides for Burgess Hill before joining the Haywards Heath under-16s' girls training squad. She represented Sussex before joining Crawley.

Her brother, Huw, plays for Sussex, Haywards Heath and Swansea University and her father is an Oxford blue.

Ellen, 17, in her first year at the age group, believes she will play. The Lewes club player, who attends Brighton, Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College, said: "I understand I will come on at some stage. I feel so proud.

"It is quite a shock to think I'll be representing my country.

"My grandfather is Welsh, but, like Laura, I'm going out to win for England.

"I either have to pay out of my own pocket or rely on my parents to pay my expenses for rugby. Working is almost impossible because it usually clashes with my rugby. But it's worth it.

"I think blokes' attitudes to women's rugby is becoming a little more understanding, particularly those who play the game."

Ellen, a former Priory (Lewes) pupil, was in the national under-16s development squad last season, and plays with Laura in the unbeaten South East Region under-18s team.

England manager Claire Sanderson said: "Laura and Ellen have shown commitment and enthusiasm. Hopefully, they can progress and go on to the World Cup in 2006."