Ava says she has been playing rugby ‘all my life.’

She said: “I started around 11 years ago and play for Burnley and North West Roses.

“I got selected for Lancashire Under 16 girls Player Development Group (PDG) last year and again this year and we train in Manchester once a week.

“There are nine PDG’s across England and our county coaches selected players to go for England trials.

“I have been selected, even though I am still quite young as it’s Under 18s, and will go to Manchester Uni for England trials in May.

“I just love rugby - tackling and so on. I also love skiing and snowboarding.”

Ava is already part of Burnley College’s Elite Athlete Programme - she began it last year, a year early.

“It specialises in training so it’s really good for me. It gives me a personal training programme.

“I want to go to Burnley College next year and study Geography, Environmental Science and Biology A-Levels. I want to do something in sport.”