Bo Westcombe-Evans: England rugby’s new star as WXV begins

It’s a team game, but Bo Westcombe-Evans relishes the individual battle.

“Me, in space, one v one, is my ideal scenario,” the England wing tells BBC Sport.

“I like to back myself on the edge. I have quite a good hand-off, so I try and step on the outside and use it to fend.

“I like taking the handbrake off and just going for it.”

Less than three months ago, that combination of footwork, fast hands and full-on attack carried Westcombe-Evans into a rather different contest.

As Ini Kamoze’s 1994 hit ‘Here Comes the Hotstepper’ blared out across Leicester’s Athena venue, she emerged though the dry ice and spotlight, bouncing on her toes and decked out in red boxing shorts.

In the blue corner was a fellow student, representing Loughborough University’s powerlifting scene. Despite giving up several inches in height and reach, it was Westcombe-Evans who emerged victorious over three bruising rounds.

“It was a charity-run event– a student fight night, I just thought it is a bit of me – that aggressive side – and signed up,” Westcombe-Evans says.

“There was a moment when you are looking out over that arena – hundreds of people watching, the ring on stage – when I thought ‘oh my gosh, what have I done’.

“It was a really cool experience though; all my friends came down to watch dressed up in really smart clothing and winning was amazing.

“I wouldn’t do it again though. I am retiring undefeated!”