Training with the Welsh Rugby Union team may seem worlds apart from the hustle and bustle of a Reece branch, but for Business Development Manager Tess Evans, it’s just another way of living the Reece value of Team First.

Tess began her Reece journey in 2016 at Plumbing Coolum through the Australian School-based Apprenticeship (AsbA) program. She quickly fell in love with the fast-paced environment, the team first mentality, and supporting our customers. 

Similar attributes drew her to the rugby field. “I went to one rugby training session in Noosa and I was hooked,” Tess said. “In a way, it’s similar to Reece. Hard work is rewarded, and you have to trust your team. And just like at Reece, I knew I wanted to play at a higher level immediately.”

A move to Brisbane opened opportunities for both Reece and rugby careers. At the time, Tess was a Branch Manager and continued to build her rugby skills with the support of her Region Leader until an injury setback at the end of 2022.

“I ruptured my Achilles and was only able to get a few games in after my rehabilitation,” Tess said. “After healing, an opportunity arose to play rugby in England. I knew it was a dream I wanted to chase and talked to my Region Leader about it.”

“He was really encouraging and said let’s make this happen. I was transparent about wanting to come back to Reece after I played overseas, and they worked with me to see what pathways there would be on my return.”

“When I was in England, an amazing opportunity came to train with the Welsh Six Nations team due to my Welsh grandparents. I was always in communication with my Region Leader when I was overseas, and he was super supportive.”

Since returning to Australia, Tess has taken on a new role at Reece and is continuing her local rugby career, with aspirations to play in higher Australian honours.

“I think a lot of people had their eyes opened to the opportunities Reece could afford them,” she said. “I worked hard at Reece, and it gave me the chance to follow a dream.”

“Reece is such a big part of my story. I started as an AsBA, and have been able to play rugby while continuing to grow my career. I’m excited to keep developing both my sport and Reece career in the future.”

Find out more about careers at Reece: https://careers.reece.com/anz