“When I think of myself I don’t really see myself as a role model until other people come to me and say, no you are a role model. I’m just Tysh I play rugby because I love it. I want to help people because that’s my nature, I don’t really see it as a separate part of me I just do it out of the goodness of my heart”.
Born and raised in Salford, Detysha Harper – known to most as “Tysh” – is a powerhouse of professional rugby union and genuine Salford Hero. Currently dominating the front row for Sale Sharks, she has also become a vital fixture of the Red Roses, representing England on the international stage.
Tysh’s journey began at fifteen years old at Eccles RFC. Her talent was evident early on, leading her from Firwood Waterloo to the England Under-20s, and eventually to Loughborough Lightning.
Remarkably, she balanced the physical demands of elite rugby with academic studies, earning a degree in Psychology while catching the eyes of national selectors. Her hard work culminated in an England debut in 2019 and a well-earned spot in the 2022 Six Nations squad. As a player representative for the women’s board, Tysh speaks for teammates at Sale Sharks.
She said: “I think the underlying challenge that everyone faces is the funding, we can’t get better without more funding.
“That’s what puts us apart from the men, because they can afford to have better referees, play in big stadiums and go full time. Our biggest challenge here is having people who are dual career athletes.
Tysh Harper started her inspiring journey with rugby at the age of 15 at Eccles Rugby and Football club after watching her brothers play she thought why couldn’t she play too.
With already representing England for the first time in at the under 20’s level in 2019, she was then scouted for the England Six Nations squad in 2022. However an Achilles injury forced her to withdraw.
She is happy returning back home post Achilles injury to Sale where she has played for Sale Sharks Rugby club since 2023.
Currently she is trying to grow the game coaching young people through the sharks foundation. Getting people involved who have never had exposure to rugby, helps her get into schools and communities where rugby isn’t a thing.
Tysh addressed the representation in rugby and how on her team now she is one of three mixed people and is representing for black people, allowing access for other players of colour to the sport.
“After northern that’s when I would think about the colour of me, which has never really been a problem but then there’s people who say they have had it tough
“I think it will help for people watching and hopefully they can identify with somebody, if one person can watch and say that’s someone who looks like me I think that’s better for the game”.
Tysh actively works through the Sharks Foundation to introduce rugby to Salford schools and neighbourhoods, where the sport is less common.
By focusing on representation and coaching young people who have never had exposure to the game, she ensures her success serves as a visible bridge for the next generation of Salford athletes, particularly players of colour, to follow in her footsteps.
