My name is Tahlia Evans, and I’m a 21-year-old rugby union player for the Queensland Reds. I am also a part-time university student studying Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Queensland, while managing a high-performance training load and living independently.

I typically complete four training sessions per week, each around seven hours, alongside weekend games and ongoing recovery demands. Balancing this with study, work, and the cost of living on my own is challenging, both financially and physically.

I originally began my sporting journey in netball and competed in the Sapphire Series before making a late switch to rugby union. That decision opened a new pathway for me as an athlete and gave me a fresh opportunity to grow in a sport I love. I thrive on being challenged and pushing myself into new environments.

Since switching codes, I have represented Australia A in Japan and Samoa, with my first game of rugby also taking place in Samoa. I have trained and played alongside top Australian players, been part of the Queensland Reds Next Gen program, and competed in the Santos Festival of Rugby in Narrabri with the Reds 15s team—all within just two years of playing rugby.

I am raising funds to help ease the financial pressure of balancing elite sport, study, and independent living at a young age. Support would allow me to focus more fully on my development as an athlete and continue pursuing my goals at the highest level.