Michaela Staniford still in shock after claiming the IRB Women's Player of the Year crown
By Tony Curtis - Follow me on Twitter: @SkysportsTC
Thursday 6 December 2012 05:44, UK
Image:Michaela Staniford: The IRB Women's Player of the Year
Michaela Staniford admits collecting the prestigious IRB Women's Player of the Year honour has yet to sink in.
Phenomenal
Staniford is now hoping for the chance to reflect on her - and England's - achievements over the past 12 months.
"It has been a phenomenal year with the Six Nations, the Hong Kong Sevens, the London Sevens at Twickenham, the Amsterdam Sevens, the Euro-Series Sevens title and then the whitewash against New Zealand.
"It has been staggering. Going back to work is a real dose of reality and I honestly think I need a bit of time off over Christmas to sit back and take everything in that has happened over the past 12 months. As soon as you've completed one thing then you're on to the next within a day or two."
Having enjoyed a such an amazing year, Staniford is now aiming to keep the run going in 2013 - with the Sevens World Cup and a tour to New Zealand.
"January is the start of a massive six months for us which culminates with the Sevens World Cup," she said.
"I haven't got a gold medal yet so hopefully I can get one of those now, whether it is in 2013 or 2014 that is my aim.
"We've then got New Zealand away. Beating them away hasn't been done either so that is another target for us."
