I decided to go to college because I was excited about the opportunity to do rugby full time around my studies. I was very passionate about the sport, so it was a huge step up from once-a-week training at club. Training 3 times a week whilst also studying a-levels was challenging but I definitely enjoyed it as it varied my day and it felt very professional.

The college programme taught me many key skills going into the adult world. For example, my time management to keep up with college work and also rugby training improved massively. I gained lots of independence living away from home during the week. Whilst I still had lots of support from staff and coaches, it was like a practice run for the future. I got to practice living away from parents alongside being a full-time student and athlete at the same time. Since college, I have gone on to university where I’m doing a maths degree. I’m also training with Bristol Bears women and am involved in the England Under 20s setup. These are all stretching environments, but I have felt much more prepared for them having been at college.