Who is Irish rugby star Erin King who has made history?

Irish rugby star Erin King is a name that is on everyone's lips this week as the 21-year-old was named Women's Breakthrough Player of the Year at the World Rugby Awards in Monaco.

Hailing from Wicklow, Erin made her 15s debut in autumn and scored two tries, leading Ireland to beat New Zealand in the Women's XVI in September.

But who is this bright bubbly bombshell that has made a name for herself on the pitch?

Originally born in Sydney, Australia Erin and her family lived around the world in Dubai and Doha. She attended primary school in Doha but her parents, Joanne and James then decided to return home to their native roots in Blessington, in Wicklow when she was 12.

Thinking back to that time she told The 42 'My cousins and grandparents were all in Ireland but it was definitely a big cultural change, how people act, it was all different. It took about a year to settle in and rugby really helped.'

But rugby has always been a part of the King family and in 2003 Erin attended the 2003 World Cup final...at just one month old.

Erin is the second oldest with four brothers - Daniel, Matty, Conor and Liam, who by the way all play rugby so it was just a natural progression for Erin, to also head out on the pitch.

For now, it looks like there is only one love in Erin's life and that is rugby. From her social media, the 21-year-old seems to be enjoying the single life, concentrating on rugby and hanging out with her girlfriends.

While rugby is what she is known for, Erin also had a keen interest in LGFA and played for the Wicklow minor team.

Speaking to Image Magazine she spoke of how she got into sport. 'My dad always played rugby and so when my brothers started playing, my parents thought it was a good idea to bring me along too!'

For the 21-year-old she spoke of how 'Sport has always been the constant in my life, I grew up moving and living in lots of different places and with sport, you make friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. Sport gives you the ability to feel part of a community. You get to feel a part of something so special.

Settling in Ireland the five children all joined Naas RFC and at the age of 15, she was a part of the back row of the Leinster U18s. Within no time she went on to be a member of the squad just as Covid first hit.

Moving to Old Belvedere RCF Erin was called on by the Ireland 7s and as for school, well this would also have to change. To train and receive an education, Erin was schooled remotely and this allowed her to fit in rugby and training around this

The last three years have certainly seen the Wicklow girl's talent shine through with the fantastic opportunity of playing for the sevens at the Paris Olympics.

The Wicklow flanker got everyone watching when she made her debut with the 15s side this autumn, against New Zealand. With women's rugby, the Irish team in particular making a strong impact, Erin will definitely be one to keep an eye on.