‘I fought so hard to be back’ – Jones on injury woes

Wales vs. England at the Women’s Six Nations

Cardiff Principality Stadium Date: Saturday, March 29 Kick-off: 16:45 GMT

It’s difficult to miss one Premiership Women’s Rugby final due to injury, but missing two is just cruel.

Kelsey Jones, a Wales hooker, watched Gloucester-Hartpury win three straight titles earlier this month, completing the “threepeat” with a victory over Saracens.

Jones missed the 2024 showpiece because she had a disc removed in her neck while recovering from a serious knee injury in May.

“They are the times when I want to be on the field, and the business end of the season is probably when I enjoy rugby the most.”

Due to her involvement in the first final at the start of the season, Jones claimed that being forced to miss the first final was “probably the hardest.”

I simply knew it wasn’t possible for me to be there this time around, she continued. I just assumed a different role.

“It was utterly crazy in the shed, supporting my friends as loudly as I could, cheering them on.”

It was still a wonderful experience, but it was also bittersweet.

In the Women’s Six Nations, Jones made her comeback to action last Saturday, playing off the bench in Wales’ opening-round defeat to Scotland.

She cited the support of her family, friends, and team-mates as saying, “I fought so hard to try to be back.”

Gwenllian Pyrs and Donna Rose, two other front-row stalwarts from Wales, joined Jones in making the weekend’s return.

Both have neck surgery scars, just like Jones.

For Sale Sharks loose-head Pyrs, Scotland was their first appearance since undergoing surgery in November, which involved disc replacement and disc fusion, while Saracens tight-head Rose underwent a similar procedure in December.

After watching WXV [last October], we decided it was time to work and then we had enough time to recover for the Six Nations, according to Pyrs, who scored a try on her return in Edinburgh.

Playing on, however, was not an option for Rose.

I had been playing through it for a while, denying to myself how awful it actually was, before I realized I needed to tell myself, “You do need this surgery, let’s be honest here,” Rose said.

I was kind of of the impression that if I admit to hurting my neck, it will end up being a career-ending injury. I thought about it and endured the pain, but I still manage to stay fit and ready to leave today.

When Jones questioned whether her long-term physical reliance as a first-row forward preyed on her, Jones said that injury was “part and parcel of the sport.”

You are aware that playing rugby involves risks, but I don’t believe I’d make any changes. I’m here, living in the best possible way. When I get there, I’ll be worried about how much I adore it.

The accomplished trio, who have won over 100 caps, are expected to feature on Saturday against England at the Principality Stadium.

The game has already broken the previous record for a standalone women’s international rugby match in Wales with more than 12 000 sold.