Supporting Young Players: Kirby on Body Image and Performance

Kirby says she has "no fear" raising these issues now she is an experienced international and although it is not easy, she has found ways to deal with it.

"I have been around long enough to suffer my own abuse growing up and seeing it on social media - you don't become accustomed to it, though, and there's still things you read," she said.

"A younger player coming through, who maybe gets comments like that, could end up not eating and having to compete at a high level. You see their performance drop and it really impacts them.

"I felt it was important for people to realise that as long as you're fit to play your sport at the highest level, and you're consistently performing well, then body shape shouldn't be a conversation.

Kirby has received messages from other players raising concerns for their team-mates, who they believe are struggling with body image issues.

She says "there is not one answer" on how to deal with it as "everyone is different", but it is important they receive support.

"It's recognising when someone is going through it and, not taking control of the situation, but helping them and guiding them," Kirby said. "I've had conversations with players I know and said: 'Well, you need to eat this.'