RUGBY union rising star Rebecca Trist is striving for more international honours.

The 19-year-old back-row forward already has England experience, having played for the national under-20s side against USA and South Africa last year.

After pulling on the national shirt she has set her sights on progressing through the ranks.

She is currently studying at Gloucestershire University and helped them finish second in the British Universities and Colleges Sport league this season.

The ex-Rivington and Blackrod High School pupil said: “We finished second and went on to the play-offs where we competed against other teams for the chance to play at Twickenham.

“We got through to the semi-final and played Leeds Met.

“Unfortunately, we arrived only half an hour before kick off and lost 38-17.

“My rugby is going really well at the minute.

“I played last summer in the Nations Cup against USA, Canada and South Africa.

“We finished second to the USA. It was great because even though it is not their top sport they try to be at their best and are progressing massively.

“It was a learning curve for me and I played against France in January too.

“I would love to play for the England senior team but there is still a long way to go.

“I just have to train as hard as I can and try to get into the Nation’s Cup squad for 2015.”