The China Mail - England's Jones channels grief in bid for Women's Rugby World Cup glory

The Red Roses vice-captain, a nominee for world player of the year, and her teammates are just 80 minutes away from securing the sport's ultimate prize as they gear up to face Canada at a sold-out Twickenham.

But the match will not be witnessed by Jones's father or mother, who both died last year.

Jones's father, Simon, died from lung cancer in August 2024 and just four months later, she lost her mother, Paula, following a long struggle with alcoholism and addiction.

"It's been a huge fuel for me," Jones said. "Of course it's difficult, but I've always hated being the victim. I was never brought up that way. My mum and dad would hate that."

She added: "So I never want people to feel sorry for me, but the bit I want to get over is that through difficult times, through adversity, you can still fulfil your dreams and your purpose and you can actually use that to drive you in such a good way."

The 28-year-old said that she faced plenty of bad days but added: "There's always good within a bad day.

"Perspective is so beautiful and it's everything my mum and dad taught me. Input via output, work hard and always know that you'll never feel sad 24/7.

"Good days are always ahead. There are always silver linings, we've just got to look quite deeply sometimes."

Cardiff-born Jones, who qualifies for England through her mother, was not involved in the 2022 World Cup, when England suffered a 34-31 loss to New Zealand in the final -- the Red Roses' lone defeat in their past 63 matches.

Jones has said missing that match is her "superpower", because she is not scarred by the defeat, even though she started the 2017 final, another loss to New Zealand.

"I didn't enjoy 2017 as much as I could have done," said Jones. "I was 20, I was young... I was chasing, as you do as an aspiring player.

"Now, because of everything that's happened as well, I've been so present in this time and wanting to share it with my loved ones," she added.

"I'm not taking it for granted, which I might have done in 2017."

L.Kwan--ThChM