Honey Kerslake Draws Strength from Late Father Jerry Collins Ahead of U21 Six Nations
Honey Kerslake, the daughter of late All Black Jerry Collins, is channeling her father's memory as she prepares for the inaugural Six Nations Women’s U21 Series starting this Saturday. Nearly 11 years after Collins’ tragic death in a car crash while playing for Narbonne in France, Kerslake credits his legacy as a significant driving force in her rugby career. Kerslake shares, "His inspiration has been one of my biggest driving factors to play rugby." She highlights the stories her family in New Zealand shares about Collins’ impact on their community, both on and off the pitch. Growing up in North Devon, Kerslake began her rugby journey at age ten, shortly after the accident. She recalls, "I had to move clubs around under-15s age and we travelled about an hour to Crediton Rugby Club, where we had a full squad of girls." Her mother has been a pivotal support system throughout her journey, attending every match possible. Kerslake, who co-captained England at the recent Under-18s Women’s Six Nations Festival, is the only player promoted to the Under-21 squad despite the team’s struggles, including a heavy loss to France. As she approaches the Under-21 tournament, Kerslake aims to make her mark on the pitch against Scotland this weekend. Alongside her rugby commitments, she is preparing for her A-Levels in English Literature, PE, and 3D design at Exeter College, expressing that she feels more nervous about her exams than the tournament itself. Excited about the upcoming challenge, she states, "I’m always excited to play rugby, so those nerves translate to excitement." Kerslake's journey continues to be fueled by her father's legacy and her unwavering dedication to the sport.
Source: The Independent Sport - 2026-04-16