TALENTED schoolgirl Millie Dacosta Evans will represent England in the Four Nations polocrosse tournament this weekend astride Prince Harry’s former polo horse Diva.

The 15-year-old who attends Dame Allan’s School, in Newcastle, has been selected in a mixed junior team of three players to compete against some of the best young polocrosse riders from Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

Millie, from Whitfield, Northumberland, will compete on her coach’s horse Diva, an aptly-named mare previously ridden by avid polo player Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex.

“Diva is a handful - too strong for a lot of juniors - but she’s fast and likes to do things her way, which is what I love about her,” said the teenager, who was taught to ride from the age of three by her mother before joining her local pony club.

Millie, who also plays competitive squash, took up polocrosse a year ago. The fast-paced sport is a mix between lacrosse, polo and rugby and dates back to the 1930s.

The game is played on a grass pitch and divided into several ‘chukkas’ of up to eight minutes long. Riders each carry a racquet and the aim is to score as many goals as possible by throwing the ball between the posts.

Millie said: “During lockdown I couldn’t play squash, so I found an outdoor sport that combines my love of racquet sports and horses.

“The thing I enjoy about polocrosse is the speed and the aggression of the sport, it is great fun and such an adrenalin rush. Plus, everyone I have met who plays it is lovely!”

Millie is a Year 10 student in the Girls’ School at Dame Allan’s Schools, which has a structure that is unique to the North-East by combining both co-educational and single-sex education within one establishment.

Principal Will Scott said: “Millie’s selection to represent England on the polocrosse field is of no surprise given her talent, determination and love for sport. We wish her every success in this tournament and have no doubt that Prince Harry’s former horse Diva is in extremely capable hands.”

The Four Nations tournament will see riders from throughout the UK competing across Mini, Junior and Senior sections to determine the overall champion. The event will be hosted by Celyn Polocrosse Club at Cheshire Polo Club, in Tarporley, and take place on July 24 and 25.