Carpenter Rose passionate to ply her trade with Wales

“My grandfather is Welsh but to be honest, I’ve always been more drawn to Wales in rugby than England because of the passion the Welsh always show, and the way they play the game,” she says.

“I feel Wales matches my personality more, I just love the way they play and how passionate they are. I’ve always admired the leadership of Sam Warburton and Alun Wyn Jones in particular. As captain of Trojans, I tried to adopt some of their leadership techniques. I started off quietly-spoken, a bit like Sam and by the end I showed my passion more, like Alun Wyn!”

Rose has worked her way to the front row and is thriving on being in the heart of the engine room.

“I started playing rugby when I was 15 for Wimborne in Dorset which then became Ringwood & Ellingham and then I joined Trojans in Eastleigh, Southampton when I was just about to turn 18.

“They play in the Championship in England and I’ve got 153 caps for them in the back row. I had a call from Alex [Austerberry] – the Sarries’ coach two summers ago about moving to the Prem as a prop. I love it. I’m still learning my trade at prop but I’ve had a string of games for the first team this season and it’s going really well.  Having come from the back row – and the backs before that – I’m a mobile prop but I also enjoy being in the thick of it in the front row.”

A theme of the Wales Women squad this season is their ‘why’ – who or what is the real reason behind their commitment and passion for playing for Wales.

For Rose, it’s about self-confidence.

“A lot of people doubted me because I didn’t really have a great upbringing, many teachers and coaches also doubted me so I’m doing this to show everyone I’ve made something of myself.

“I also come from a traveller background as well so I want to represent my community and show everyone I can excel at something I love.

“Running out and winning my first cap has gone a long way to proving that point to a lot of people.

“For me I savoured every moment of my first cap despite the score against France. None of us are happy with the scores so far but we will go again and give it everything we’ve got. For me that day was amazing because I got my first cap.”

For Rose, rugby gives her mind and body an important focus.

“I suffer from borderline personality disorder so I’m very passionate about raising awareness of mental health issues.

“When I can, I’m hoping to go around schools and speak about my past issues and where I am today. Borderline personality disorder is a bit like bipolar but the episodes are much shorter – I may be up and down numerous times during on any given day. I want to show people that whatever you’ve been through, if you put your mind to it, you can overcome your demons and achieve your goals. I used to be a closed book but I find it helps me to talk about my issues and it may also help others so I find that a comfort.

“Rugby helps me a lot too. It gives me a focus every day and exhausts me physically and mentally so I don’t have too much time on my hands to think.”

Rose previously worked as a chef but is now a carpenter with a housing association in order to have more time to train and play rugby.

“I enjoy carpentry – I get satisfaction from seeing a project through from start to finish and my current work – where I maintain buildings and ensure they meet fire regulations etc – has much more sociable hours than working in the hospitality industry.”

Rose may only recently switched to the front row, but given the plaudits she’s been receiving in the Allianz Premier 15s and on the international stage, she has a bright future ahead.