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.
I am actively seeking sponsorship from businesses who want to back an ambitious local athlete and join my journey from Dartford to the elite stage. You can follow my progress on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube at @tiatandyrugby.
