Daughter of All Blacks Legend Jerry Collins to Represent England in Historic Tournament
Almost eleven years after the tragic death of New Zealand rugby icon Jerry Collins, his daughter Honey Kerslake is harnessing his memory as powerful motivation for her own burgeoning rugby career. The 18-year-old has been selected for England's squad in the inaugural Six Nations Women's U21 Series, which commences this weekend, marking a significant milestone in her athletic journey.
A Father's Legacy Fuels Daughter's Ambition
Jerry Collins, the formidable All Blacks flanker who earned 48 caps for New Zealand, died in a car accident in France in 2015 at age 34, alongside his partner. Despite this devastating loss, his influence remains profoundly alive for Kerslake, who credits him as a central inspiration in her rapid ascent through England's rugby ranks.
"His inspiration has been one of my biggest driving factors to play rugby," Kerslake explains. "My family in New Zealand still tell stories of everything that he brought to his community, on and off the pitch."
She maintains strong connections with her New Zealand relatives, who traveled to watch her play in the Under-18s Six Nations last year, including her grandmother and aunt. This Kiwi heritage creates a unique dynamic, particularly when reflecting on England's 2022 World Cup final clash with New Zealand.
"I had the black jersey on that day," she recalls with a touch of sheepishness. "My family are actually Samoan but live in New Zealand, and because of my dad, they're huge Kiwi supporters."
Overcoming Geographical Challenges with Family Support
Growing up in North Devon, Kerslake faced logistical hurdles in pursuing rugby, given the scarcity of women's teams in her region. She began playing around age ten, following her father's accident, and later had to travel approximately an hour to Crediton Rugby Club to join a full girls' squad during her under-15s years.
Her mother has been instrumental in navigating these challenges, providing unwavering support throughout her development. "My mum has been my biggest driver and has helped me get into different rugby environments," Kerslake acknowledges. "She comes to every game she can, and hopefully she'll be at the Scotland game on the weekend as well."
Balancing Academic Pressures with Athletic Aspirations
Kerslake's preparation for the Under-21s tournament coincides with her upcoming A-Level examinations in English Literature, PE, and 3D design at Exeter College. This dual commitment requires careful time management and prioritization.
"I'm probably more nervous for my A-Levels than the tournament," she admits. "I know I haven't done quite as much revision as I should have done. I'm always excited to play rugby, so those nerves translate to excitement. I haven't been home for a while, so I'm just trying to balance my studies alongside rugby."
From Under-18s Setbacks to Under-21s Opportunity
Recently, Kerslake co-captained England at the Under-18s Women's Six Nations Festival, where the team experienced a challenging campaign, losing three of four matches, including a heavy 75-7 defeat to France on the final day. Despite these results, she emphasizes the positive aspects of the experience.
"It was a tough tournament this year," she reflects. "We didn't get the results we wanted, but we had quite a young squad and we gelled really well. It was a great opportunity, as it always is when wearing the England shirt."
Her promotion to the Under-21s squad makes her the sole player elevated from that Under-18 group, highlighting her standout potential. For the upcoming series, her primary objective is straightforward: "For this tournament, my biggest aim is to get on the pitch. We've got Scotland this weekend, so I want to get playing among the Under-21s girls. Personally, I want to get that extra chance to develop this year."
As Kerslake steps onto the field, she carries not only her own ambitions but also the enduring spirit of her father, Jerry Collins, transforming personal tragedy into a powerful source of inspiration for a new generation of rugby talent.
