Can the Lions Tour Ignite Jones After World Cup Glory?

After leading England to a historic World Cup victory, centre Meg Jones is seeking new challenges in her rugby career, reflecting on her motivations and aspirations for the future. As a key player and vice-captain, Jones aims to elevate her game further, with a particular focus on the upcoming British and Irish Lions women's tour in 2027.

Last updated: 31 January 2024 (BST)

What’s happening now

Meg Jones is currently preparing for the resumption of the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) season after the winter break. Following a significant achievement with the England team, Jones is looking to build on her skills, particularly her kicking, in order to enhance her gameplay. With her club, Ealing Trailfinders, set to face Harlequins in a crucial London derby match, Jones is excited about the opportunity to showcase her team's progress and deliver an entertaining performance.

Key takeaways

Meg Jones, vice-captain of England's women's rugby team, is exploring new challenges after the team's World Cup win.
Head coach John Mitchell has motivated players to aim for the British and Irish Lions women's tour in 2027.
Jones is working on her kicking skills to diversify her gameplay.
Jones has recently become engaged to her partner, Celia Quansah, highlighting her personal milestones alongside her career.
Ealing Trailfinders are looking to improve their standing in the PWR as they prepare for upcoming matches.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey of Meg Jones and her rugby career has been marked by significant milestones:

September 2023: England wins the Women’s Rugby World Cup, with Jones as vice-captain.
January 2024: Jones becomes engaged to her partner Celia Quansah.
January 2024: Ealing Trailfinders resume the Premiership Women's Rugby season.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Meg Jones is gearing up for a pivotal match against Harlequins, where she aims to demonstrate her improved kicking skills and contribute to her team’s success. The focus on enhancing her gameplay reflects her desire to remain competitive and assertive in her role.

What was already established

Jones has been recognised for her outstanding performances during the World Cup, having been nominated for the player of the tournament. Her leadership as vice-captain has been instrumental in England's success, and she remains a vital player in the squad's ambitions for future victories.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As interest in women's rugby continues to grow in the UK, the success of players like Meg Jones can boost attendance at matches and inspire young athletes. This may lead to increased investment in women's sports, enhancing opportunities for future generations.

Businesses and jobs

The rise of women’s rugby can stimulate local economies through increased match attendance and merchandise sales. Clubs may see a surge in sponsorship opportunities, which can create jobs within the sports sector and associated industries.

Policy and regulation

With the advancement of women's rugby, policymakers may feel encouraged to support initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality in sports. This could result in enhanced funding for women's teams and clubs, ensuring a more equitable sporting landscape.

Numbers that matter

3: The number of World Cups England has won compared to New Zealand's six.
21: The number of Women's Six Nations titles England has secured out of 30 editions.
29: Meg Jones' age, highlighting her potential to continue contributing to the sport.
6: The current position of Ealing Trailfinders in the PWR table, indicating their competitive standing.
3: The number of wins for Trailfinders this season, reflecting their performance so far.

Definitions and jargon buster

PWR: Premiership Women's Rugby, the top level of women's rugby in England.
Red Roses: The nickname for the England women's rugby team.
British and Irish Lions: A rugby union team composed of players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, Jones will focus on her recovery from a shoulder issue and prepare for the match against Harlequins, where she can apply her new skills.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, Jones will continue to work on her gameplay, aiming to solidify her position in the Trailfinders and potentially secure selection for the 2027 Lions tour.

Signals to watch

Jones' performance in upcoming matches, especially regarding her kicking accuracy.
Trailfinders' standings in the PWR as the season unfolds.
Announcements regarding the British and Irish Lions women's tour preparations.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated on Jones' progress and the Trailfinders' performance.
Encourage young athletes to pursue sports, inspired by role models like Jones.
Support women's sports through attendance and engagement.

Don’t

Underestimate the impact of women's rugby on the broader sporting culture.
Ignore the importance of mental health and recovery for athletes.
Miss opportunities to celebrate successes in women's sports.

Checklist

Follow the PWR fixtures to catch key matches.
Engage with social media updates from players and clubs.
Attend local women's rugby matches to support the sport.
Explore opportunities to get involved in community rugby initiatives.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

Jones' shoulder injury is a concern that could affect her performance and participation in upcoming matches. Additionally, the evolving nature of team dynamics in the PWR may present challenges for Trailfinders as they adapt to new players. The impact of external factors, such as support for women's sports, remains uncertain but is crucial for the sustained growth of the sport.

Bottom line

Meg Jones is at a pivotal moment in her rugby career, seeking new challenges and opportunities after a monumental World Cup victory. Her focus on skill enhancement and team success reflects her dedication and ambition, which could inspire the next generation of athletes in the UK. As the landscape of women's rugby continues to evolve, players like Jones are essential in shaping its future.

FAQs

What challenges is Meg Jones looking to tackle in her rugby career?

Meg Jones aims to enhance her gameplay, particularly her kicking skills, and is motivated by the prospect of the British and Irish Lions women's tour in 2027.

How has the World Cup victory impacted Meg Jones?

Jones experienced a "comedown" after the World Cup, but she is now refocused and motivated to push her limits in rugby.

What is the current status of the Ealing Trailfinders in the PWR?

The Ealing Trailfinders currently sit sixth in the Premiership Women's Rugby table, with a record of three wins and three losses.