All Blacks Legend's Daughter Honey Kerslake Aims for England Rugby Stardom
Honey Kerslake, the daughter of late New Zealand rugby icon Jerry Collins, is poised to represent England in the inaugural Six Nations Women's Under-21 series, which commences this weekend. The 18-year-old rising star credits her father's enduring legacy as a primary motivator in her remarkable ascent to the national squad.
Drawing Inspiration from a Tragic Legacy
Nearly eleven years after the tragic car accident that claimed the lives of Jerry Collins and his partner, Honey Kerslake channels his memory to fuel her rugby ambitions. Collins, a flanker who earned 48 caps for the All Blacks, was playing for Narbonne in France at the time of his death at age 34. Kerslake reflects on his influence, stating, "His inspiration has been one of my biggest driving factors to play rugby." She adds, "My family in New Zealand still tell stories of everything that he brought to his community, on and off the pitch."
Balancing Kiwi Roots with English Aspirations
Growing up in North Devon, Kerslake faced logistical challenges due to the scarcity of women's rugby teams in her area. She recalls, "I got into rugby aged around ten, after the accident. I had to move clubs around under-15s age and we travelled about an hour to Crediton Rugby Club." Her mother has been instrumental in supporting her journey, attending games whenever possible.
Despite her English upbringing, Kerslake maintains strong ties to her New Zealand heritage. She sheepishly admits to supporting the All Blacks during their 2022 World Cup final clash with England, noting, "I had the black jersey on that day." Her family, of Samoan descent living in New Zealand, are ardent Kiwi supporters, and she plans to visit them during the Christmas holidays.
Rapid Rise Through the Ranks
Kerslake's talent has propelled her quickly through England's youth system. She recently co-captained the Under-18 Women's Six Nations Festival squad, despite a challenging tournament that included a 75-7 defeat to France. Remarkably, she is the sole player promoted from the Under-18 squad to the Under-21 team for the upcoming series.
Reflecting on the Under-18 experience, she says, "It was a tough tournament this year. We didn't get the results we wanted, but we had quite a young squad and we gelled really well." For the Under-21 series, her goals are clear: "My biggest aim is to get on the pitch. We've got Scotland this weekend, so I want to get playing among the 20 girls."
Juggling Academics and Athletic Pursuits
The tournament presents a unique challenge as Kerslake prepares for her A-Level exams in English Literature, PE, and 3D design at Exeter College. She confesses, "I'm probably more nervous for my A-Levels than the tournament. I know I haven't done quite as much revision as I should have." Balancing studies with rugby requires careful management, especially as she hasn't been home recently to focus on both commitments.
As the Six Nations Women's U21 series kicks off, all eyes will be on Honey Kerslake, a player whose story intertwines personal tragedy, familial pride, and sporting excellence. Her journey exemplifies the next generation of women's rugby talent, poised to make their mark on the international stage.
