Megan Jones States Injury Layoff Assisted Her in Coping with Father’s Death

Leicester Tigers and England centre Megan Jones, who represented Great Britain in the sevens competition at the Paris Olympics, has stated that a three-month injury layoff aided her in processing her father’s passing. The 28-year-old, originally from Cardiff, is scheduled to make her inaugural appearance of the Premiership Women’s season this Saturday, as Leicester faces Bristol Bears. Jones views this upcoming match as a significant milestone in her career, noting that her father had been a consistent presence at her games since she began playing the sport in childhood. Speaking to BBC Radio Leicester, she shared, “He was a proud Welshman, so obviously didn’t love me wearing the rose, but he loved coming up to Tigers and watching me.” She added, “He also loved the feel of the club.” Jones further commented, “This will be the first time playing without my dad watching, so it will be special for me.” Jones had represented Team GB at the Paris Olympics over the summer and was slated to join the England squad for their WXV campaign when her father died. An ankle injury, necessitating surgery, subsequently prevented her from participating in international matches and kept her out of the initial part of the league season with the Tigers. She elaborated, “It’s always tough missing out on games, but personally it came at a really good time for me.” She continued, “I’d just finished at the Olympics and my dad sadly passed away four days before I went back into the Red Roses camp.” Jones explained, “It came at a good time for me because it meant I could really process the grief and I could have time to myself and be home with family.” Jones stated that she began to “value the rugby community” surrounding her more profoundly during her grieving period, and that the bereavement has provided her with a fresh outlook. “As sports people our results define us, how we perform defines us, but truth be told our health, our friendships and connections are more important than the game itself,” Jones remarked.