Getting Ready for the TAG Rugby World Cup
Getting ready for competition
The TAG Rugby World Cup is getting closer! The final squad was put together in July and, after months of training and several competitions, we are really clicking. The squad has lots of experience but also lots of newcomers to the squad. Many of us will be going to our first world cup.
It’s an honour to represent your country and we are all going into this knowing how valuable this experience will be. Not many people have the opportunity to perform on an international stage and I count myself as very lucky.
This is the first time Great Britain has sent a women’s team to the TAG Rugby World Cup and it is such a thrill to be part of this group.
It’s been a tough lead up for me, not being able to have optimal preparation due to my hamstring injury.
I’ve been working towards this World Cup since 2015 and so this injury has really helped me develop a bit more patience, which has always been a struggle for me.
I’ve also learned to trust my coach and physios, knowing they will get me fit in time. 12 weeks ago I was panicking that I was not going to be able to compete at all. It felt like the pain was never going to go away.
By the end of September I was finally able to play full matches and the pain isn’t holding me back any more, although I am still fighting through the last bits of pain and niggles.
I’m loading more coming into the next few weeks, doing more sport specific movements in my gym schedule and prioritising daily recovery. Even if it’s not hurting, I am icing each day, salt baths, sports massage, rest and keeping my end goal firmly in my mind with meditation.
I’m also trying to be really conscious of being sensible with my loading when all I want to do is go hard. Again, recovery is key. I have to force myself to take it easy when there is pain. Patience.
Playing in Ireland for the British and Irish Cup was a huge breakthrough for us. Although we didn’t come away with the win, we felt like a really cohesive squad, communicating well and knowing what we need to work on next. Playing together in our official team strip helped too.
To my teammates, I can’t wait to see you on the plane to Sydney - We’ve got this! 💪
