For England U20’s Star Tori Sellors Family Is Everything

And now, the 19-year-old flanker turned scrum half is repaying that debt – paying it forward by coaching the younger girls – the players of the future.

Tori started her rugby journey alongside her twin brother, Ben, at Sevenoaks RFC, aged just six.

Her dad, David, used to play for the club while Tricia – who had played rugby at university – helped in the shop and her older brother worked in the kitchen and “I just enjoyed it from the start,” said Tori.

 “I loved the family aspect to the club, the teamwork and the sportsmanship” – all of which came into play when the time came to separate from the boys and David actually set up a girl’s rugby section at the club so she could continue and encourage more girls to play.

Not that she confined herself to rugby, trying her hand at other sports such as trampolining, football and handball.

She competed nationally in trampolining. In handball, she reached international status where she was selected to represent Great Britain U17 and England.

However, it soon became apparent rugby was where her future lay. She represented Kent in rugby at U15 and U18 level, before continuing in the pathway with the regional Centre of Excellence.

Aged 16, she left home for Hartpury College where she was selected for England U18. The following year, she was selected to play in England U20s, where she is now one of the team’s most senior players.

“My position is one of the most aerobically challenging,” she says, “and my speed of play is good. I’m good at recycling the ball and in defence and although I’m not big, my tackle technique is effective.”

Currently, she is pursuing a rugby career at Worcester Warriors, Women alongside representative honours with England U20s, while also studying MSci Sports Therapy. at the University of Worcester.

And, when not going out with her friends – “we tend to go for a lot of brunches and coffees” – her family and dog, Stanley, she can be found coaching the next generation.

“Sevenoaks RFC helped me get into rugby and it helped me progress in the sport,” she said.

“They created a girls’ side so I and other girls could keep playing, they put me on their honours board and they have supported me throughout.

“So, by coaching younger girls, I am closing the circle and giving something back to the sport.”