Meg Jones determined to make up for missed opportunity

Meg Jones has a lot of superpowers – but she feels most important one was not being part of England’s last Women’s Rugby World Cup final. 

The centre was not selected for the tournament three years ago, where the Red Roses lost in the final to hosts New Zealand. 

At the time, Jones divided attention between 15s and sevens, but in the past year, she has been fully devoted to the longer format of the game, and it has seen her rewarded with a nomination for World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year, the prize won by her compatriot Ellie Kildunne last year.

“I've always said my superpower is not being part of that three years ago,” the Trailfinders Women's player said. “Because it means I don't carry that on my shoulders and that gives a different perspective on this tournament. 

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“Doesn't matter who we are playing, it will be the exact same energy, the exact same emphasis. 

“We just have to remember it's 80 minutes of rugby, it's what we love so let's go out there and give it everything.  

“We've got one last chance to change the game in England.” 

Not being involved in 2022 does not mean Jones hasn’t tasted heartbreak the hands of the Black Ferns, having started at centre in the 2017 final loss in Belfast. 

However, Saturday’s opponents present happier members, with England beating Canada in the 2014 final for their second World Cup triumph. 

Only three players remain from that squad, Emily Scarratt, Marlie Packer and Alex Matthews, with the latter the only one likely to start at the weekend. 

Meanwhile, Jones is one of only two players, alongside Jess Breach, to have started every game this time around and was close call for Player of the Match in the semi-final win over France, which went to Kildunne. 

The 28-year-old, who was born in Cardiff, traded jackal turnovers with front rower Hannah Botterman, the final score between them ending 3-3. 

Jones also contributed the last try of a win that saw England grind out a first-half lead before playing more comfortably in the second period. 

Canada will present a different challenge entirely with their ruck speed and slick passing lighting up the tournament as they have reached a second World Cup final. 

It is set to be a fascinating clash played with the backdrop of 82,000 fans, a prospect that makes the usually unserious Jones emotional. 

Jones added: “I was holding back the tears because I just think it is everything we have built towards. It is huge for us.  

“I honestly think our biggest thing is inspiring the nation and little girls and boys around the country. 

“I’m super proud of what we have built and continue to build. 

“Canada were phenomenal. First v second (in the world rankings) - what an amazing opportunity. It will only elevate the game further. 

“They're strong ball carriers, they're athletic, and they showed a lot of dominance in that New Zealand game. 

“Fair play to them, they have really stamped their mark on the tournament.” 

Between now and when the whistle goes at 4pm to kick proceedings off on Saturday, much will be debated about how England will choose to play the final. 

Will they allow their superstar backs to show their strengths, or will they turn to what has seen them dominate the game for so many years, their unbeatable pack? 

“Everyone will have comments on how we play and what the game looks like,” Jones said. “But let me tell you, that defensive shift against France sums us up. 

“We've got so much heart and desire in this team. We're enjoying what we're doing. We're having fun out there; there are some good celebrations going on. 

“We're trying to enjoy the game as much as we can. The pressure is already big, we don't need to make it bigger, so let's just enjoy it for what it is.”

With more than 400,000 tickets already sold, and prices starting at just £5 for children and £10 for adults, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets now via tickets.rugbyworldcup.com