My name is Tia Tandy. I have just turned 18, and I am a proud, lifelong Dartford resident. Dartford shaped my rugby journey, and it is where my story in the sport first began.
I started playing at just eight years old with Dartford Valley Rugby Club, training on Dartford Central Park before moving to the Cotton Lane 3G pitch. I instantly fell in love with the game. Spending my entire youth career at Dartford Valley developing my skills and confidence, I played all the way through to the Under-18 level. Together, we achieved significant success, including winning Kent League titles and cup competitions.
Those years built the foundation for everything I do today. I was selected to represent my County and have played U14, U16 and U18 for Kent, now as team captain.
Alongside club rugby, I have spent the past two years pushing myself at a professional level with the Activate Oxford Rugby Academy. This elite training environment helped me seamlessly transition into senior women’s rugby across both league and union.
Most recently, I broke into Rugby League with the London Broncos in the Championship. My introduction to the league game was rapid; after short stints with Sidcup Sharks U17 and Brentwood Eels Women, I was scouted by the Broncos. It has been an incredible learning experience joining a squad that finished top of the Championship, narrowly missing Super League promotion in a tough playoff final against Featherstone Rovers.
However, my main focus remains Rugby Union. I have recently signed with Thurrock T-Birds in the Championship, where I will be one of the youngest players in the league and the youngest front-row forward. The club wanted me to start last season at 17, but age regulations delayed my entry. Now 18, I am eagerly anticipating my debut and ready to make my mark.
Balancing elite sport with full-time education is a massive grind. Between London Broncos and Thurrock, I face five or more training sessions a week plus weekend fixtures. Because I currently receive no pay and rely entirely on public transport from Dartford, managing this schedule is exceptionally difficult—especially while trying to save for driving lessons, a car, and rising travel costs.
Despite these challenges, my goal remains unchanged: reaching the absolute pinnacle of rugby and daring to hope one day to represent my Country.
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