March 29th 2024.
The spotlight is on Red Roses star Meg Jones as she shares her journey leading up to England's upcoming Six Nations game. With a firm tone, Meg declares, "This is my journey, it's no one else's." The Welsh-born rugby player is part of the Red Roses squad competing in the 2024 Women's Six Nations tournament. In their first game of the tournament, England secured a monumental victory against Italy in Parma.
Being a rugby player, Meg is used to taking hard hits on the pitch. But off the field, she has also had to develop a thick skin. "I've been called 'lesbian' by people who use the word in a negative way," the 27-year-old tells Metro. "It's quite amusing because I am a lesbian, and there's nothing wrong with that. I don't let it affect me."
She also faces criticism from those who believe that rugby is a "man's sport." But Meg chooses to focus on her own journey and not let the opinions of others bring her down. "I invest my own time into what I want to do, so if you have something negative to say, just keep it to yourself," she asserts.
Meg, who came out as gay at the age of 16 to her friends and 18 to her family, is in a loving relationship with fellow rugby player and "soulmate" Celia Quansah. The two met through Celia's friends at Loughborough University and later represented Great Britain together in rugby 7s at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Meg's proudest moment was when they beat the USA as underdogs in the quarterfinals, a game that no one expected them to win.
"Rugby has given me the opportunity to express myself in so many ways," Meg shares. "I'm open about my sexuality, and it's important for my girlfriend to also be vocal about our relationship. No one should feel guilty for who they are, how they feel, or who they love."
Meg's sexuality has never impacted her rugby journey, something she shares with Red Roses captain Marlie Packer. Her love for rugby started at a young age in Ely, a close-knit working-class community on the outskirts of Cardiff, Wales. She played for the Glamorgan Wanderers under 12s boys' team and quickly learned to stand out.
"I started playing when I was about six," Meg recalls. "I was always different, always boisterous. I wasn't your typical 'good little girl.' My mom had to persuade my dad to take me to play rugby. She said something like, 'If you're taking Sam [Meg's brother], take her as well.'" Her first training session was a turning point, and her dad saw her talent and love for the sport.
"Rugby has given me so much since then," Meg reflects. "I was lucky to play with people who respected me. It was never about the fact that I was a girl or what I looked like. I was good at rugby, and that's all that mattered."
At 16, Meg had to choose which national team to represent. She chose to play and study at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire, paving the way for her future in English rugby. "It felt like the natural route," she muses. "The opportunities that came with that decision were remarkable and, at that time, probably accelerated my career faster than if I had stayed in Wales."
Meg made her rugby 7s debut for England in 2015, playing against New Zealand in the Rugby Super Series. Since then, she has gone on to play in Six Nations and World Cups with the Red Roses. On the field, the 27-year-old is a fierce leader and a force to be reckoned with. But she also knows the importance of having fun amidst the pressure.
"I've got some good jokes," Meg says with a smile. "But they're not appropriate," she adds with a laugh when asked to give examples. "I still remember my initiation song; I sang Justin Bieber's 'Baby.' It's a classic! I've always been a bit of a joker. On the pitch, especially with televised games, I feel like I get to perform a bit. It's like a free comedy show for the fans."
"Something I've learned over the years is that I don't need to be two separate people," Meg shares. "I can bring my personality into rugby when appropriate, but I can also switch it off."
Meg credits the close bond between the Red Roses and their various personalities for the team's success in recent years. "There are a lot of characters on the team," she says. "I love playing with Mo Hunt; she's amazing. She has an intricate knowledge of the game and is highly competitive. If she's happy, she'll let you know. If she's not, she'll also let you know."
She also mentions learning from players on opposing teams, particularly the New Zealand team. "I remember picking up bits from Kelly Brazier," Meg shares. "I noticed little things, like the way she spoke to the referee."
Looking ahead, Meg is excited about the future of the Red Roses and women's rugby as a whole. But she knows that the support needs to continue to grow for the sport to thrive. "If we invest now, it will guarantee the longevity of the sport," she stresses. "We need to keep up that support."
Meg spoke to Metro thanks to RFU's principal shirt sponsor, O2. In partnership with Women's Sport Trust, O2 and RFU are working towards closing the gender awareness gap in rugby, with the goal of filling Twickenham Stadium for a women's rugby match by 2025. Tickets for the tournament are now on sale.
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