From running into opposition props to helping inspire the next generation of rugby players, Tink Trott is embracing everything Eastbourne Rugby Club has to offer - with the support of local business Ginger & Sanders.

At Eastbourne Rugby Club, rugby is about so much more than what happens during the 80 minutes on a Saturday. It’s about the people, the friendships, the community spirit and the opportunities to get involved at every level.

Few people demonstrate that better than Tink Trott.

Aged 22, Tink is beginning her second season of rugby and taking on the challenge of playing at Number 8. Having previously played a little rugby at school, she finally decided to give the sport a proper go after years of watching her partner and his family play.

A year on, she’s already making her mark beyond the pitch, too. When she’s not at her own training sessions, Tink can be found helping to coach Eastbourne’s new girls’ rugby team or leading activities as a Cubs Scout leader.

It’s a busy schedule, but one that reflects what she loves about being part of the club.

More than just a rugby team

For Tink, one of the best things about rugby is the positive spirit shared by players and supporters alike.

“It doesn’t matter who you play for or who you support - we are all there to have a good day playing and watching the sport we love.”

That inclusive attitude is a big part of what makes Eastbourne RFC special to her. With teams providing opportunities for people to get involved across the club, there’s a place for everyone to enjoy the game.

And on match days? It’s the sight of different teams coming together after their games, sharing a drink and a smile regardless of the result, that really makes it for her.

Of course, rugby also has its memorable moments - and Tink’s first match certainly delivered one.

Receiving the ball in the opening five minutes, she panicked, took off running and forgot one rather important detail: looking where she was going.

The result? A direct collision with the opposition prop, followed by Tink bouncing backwards onto the floor.

It’s safe to say she’s gained a little more confidence since then!

Her preparation has also become something of a routine. A bowl of porridge, a bottle of Lucozade and “Clear eyes, full heart, can’t lose” playing through her AirPods get her ready for battle, before an hour-long warm-up and a final team huddle.

A Harlequins fan, Tink looks up to Marcus Smith and has some straightforward advice to carry onto the pitch: “Run fast, Hit hard, Don’t ever lose sight of the ball.”

There’s even a superstition left over from her Irish dancing days. According to Tink, putting boots on a table - particularly brand-new ones - is asking for trouble!

Backing the women behind the game

Supporting players and helping the club thrive is where Ginger & Sanders comes into the picture.

The Eastbourne-based property business, which works across residential lettings, sales and block management, has already featured in our Meet the Player, Meet the Sponsor series through its support of Scarlett Sanders and Josie Chambers.

This season, Ginger & Sanders is backing several players in the women’s team, demonstrating its commitment to the people and community that make local sport so special.

For a club building its women’s and girls’ rugby pathways, that support is particularly valuable. It’s about helping players enjoy their rugby, develop their skills and confidence, and encouraging more people to discover the game for themselves.

And with Tink balancing her own playing commitments with helping the new girls’ team, she’s a great example of how the benefits of rugby can extend well beyond an individual player.

Ginger & Sanders has previously highlighted the importance of local businesses giving back to the community. As Peter Sanders put it in our earlier feature, “Being Eastbourne born and bred, we are all about community.”

That sentiment feels especially fitting here. Supporting women’s rugby means backing not just the players taking to the pitch today, but also the future of the game and the next generation who might be inspired to join them.

A club where everyone belongs

Whether she’s lining up at Number 8, helping new girls find their feet in rugby or bringing people together through her volunteering, Tink is embracing the many different sides of community life.

And that’s what makes Eastbourne RFC special: the chance to play, to support, to volunteer and to be part of something bigger than yourself.

With local sponsors such as Ginger & Sanders helping the women’s team along the way, the club can continue building an environment where more players feel welcome, supported and ready to give rugby a go.

Ginger & Sanders - passionate about property, setting new standards in residential block management.

Find out more at www.gssalesandlettings.com.