Almost 11 years after the tragic death of All Blacks flanker Jerry Collins, his daughter Honey Kerslake is using his memory as motivation for her rugby career. The 18-year-old has been named in the England squad for the inaugural Six Nations Women’s Under-21 Series, which begins on Saturday.
Collins, who won 48 caps for New Zealand, was playing for Narbonne in France in 2015 when he and his partner were killed in a car crash. Kerslake, who grew up in North Devon, credits her father with driving her rapid rise in the sport. 'His inspiration has been one of my biggest driving factors to play rugby,' she said.
Kerslake co-captained England at the recent Under-18s Women’s Six Nations Festival, where they lost three of four matches, including a 75-7 defeat to France. She is the only player promoted from that squad to the Under-21s tournament. 'It was a tough tournament, but we had a young squad and gelled well,' she added.
The teenager balances her rugby commitments with A-Level studies in English Literature, PE, and 3D design at Exeter College. 'I’m probably more nervous for my A-Levels than the tournament,' she admitted. 'I’m always excited to play rugby, so those nerves translate to excitement.'
Kerslake’s mother has been a key supporter, driving her to training and matches. 'My mum has been my biggest driver,' she said. 'She comes to every game she can, and hopefully she’ll be at the Scotland game this weekend.'
