Meet Charlie

As a teenager, I was constantly told I was too small to make it. Trials filled me with anxiety, representative matches never went the way I wanted and just when I built momentum, injuries would hit at the worst possible times. I was surviving but definitely not thriving.

Despite all of that, I somehow pushed my way through and earned a spot with England U18s. It was probably down to bucket loads of stubbornness and proving people wrong!

I hadn’t done enough to earn a professional contract when I left school, so I went to Durham University thinking rugby would stay in the background. A Yorkshire U20s game changed everything though and before I knew it, I was training with the senior squad at Sale Sharks during the Summer between my first and second years of university. Fast forward 15 months and I was making my England debut at Twickenham. A pretty crazy time when I reflect now

What I didn't realise at the time was that playing professional sport was about far more than what happened on the pitch. At times of challenge, I'd throw myself into more physical and skill preparation, only for the pressure, the doubts, and the endless comparisons to follow me home. It was like I was reliving my youth, but in view of the public.

I eventually started reading, learning, and building my own methods. Not just to cope, but to conquer anything that pro sport could throw at me. And that approach has now become the foundation for Rugby Buddy.

So whether you're a young player dreaming big, or a parent trying to protect and support your child, I understand. I've been through it and I’m here to help.

Don’t just chase bigger scores in the gym, or spend hours and hours on the rugby field. You’ll definitely make gains, but if you forget the mental side, you are missing the one thing that all professional sports men and women say has the biggest impact on their performance.