INTERNEWSTIMES.COM – Bo Westcombe-Evans, the England wing set to take on Canada in Vancouver on Sunday, is not your average rugby player. She thrives on the individual battle, relishing the one-on-one moments on the pitch. “Me, in space, one v one, is my ideal scenario,” she says with a grin. “I like to back myself on the edge.”
This fearless attitude extends beyond the rugby field. Less than three months ago, Westcombe-Evans found herself stepping into a very different kind of contest: a charity boxing match. Donning red boxing shorts, she faced off against a fellow student, representing Loughborough University’s powerlifting scene. Despite a height and reach disadvantage, Westcombe-Evans emerged victorious after three bruising rounds.
“It was a bit of me – that aggressive side – and I just signed up,” she explains. “It was a really cool experience, and winning was amazing.”
While she’s quick to declare her retirement from the boxing ring, Westcombe-Evans’s competitive spirit shines through in her approach to rugby. She’s not intimidated by the presence of England legend Emily Scarratt, her teammate at outside centre. In fact, Westcombe-Evans has already faced down her fair share of rugby royalty.
Playing for Loughborough’s student side meant sharing facilities and pitches with some of the biggest names in women’s rugby, including Scarratt, former England captain Sarah Hunter, and Helena Rowland. “I remember being in pre-season in my second year of university, being around Scaz [Scarratt], Helena Rowland and Sarah Hunter and thinking ‘this is crazy’,” Westcombe-Evans recalls. “But they are such great people as well as players; they made me feel so welcome. The knowledge they have has helped me as well to be the best version of me.”
Hunter’s influence extended beyond the pitch, inspiring Westcombe-Evans’s dissertation on the barriers female coaches face in rugby. “I didn’t realize, even as a player, how hard it is for females to get into coaching,” Westcombe-Evans says. “It was really interesting.”
While Westcombe-Evans may consider coaching in the future, for now, she’s focused on making her mark on the Premiership Women’s Rugby scene. With her fearless attitude, her passion for the game, and her willingness to embrace new challenges, this rising star is definitely one to watch. (Red)
