'Although I was boogying and smiling away I just felt empty'

Writing this column isn’t easy… One because I still don’t think I’ve fully processed how I feel about Saturday and two, because I have a broken thumb so I am having to type with one hand.

For over 48,000 people, Saturday was mesmerising. From Bugs Bunny hopping around the stadium, to Sophie Ellis-Bextor performing ‘It’s Murder on the Dancefloor’ in a silver sequin dress, Twickenham came alive!

Not to mention the phenomenal display from the Red Roses scoring 14 tries against a developing Irish side with stand-out performances from Ellie Kildunne and Zoe Aldcroft.

Abbie Ward: Bump in the Road | trailer

Bump in the Road explores the challenges faced by professional female athletes and all working mothers, featuring England lock, Abbie Ward. Watch the full documentary on RugbyPass TV

Watch now

Abbie Ward: Bump in the Road | trailer

Bump in the Road explores the challenges faced by professional female athletes and all working mothers, featuring England lock, Abbie Ward. Watch the full documentary on RugbyPass TV

Watch now

My memory of the day is slightly different as I was ruled out after the warm-up. I managed to dislocate and break my thumb in a tackle drill and unfortunately, our team doctor couldn’t make it stable enough to play. Hearing the words “we are pulling you from the game” was heartbreaking.

Not only was I devastated as I’d worked so hard to get into that shirt, I felt so much guilt for letting my teammates down last minute and felt so bad for all my family and friends who had made the effort to come and watch me.

I spent the first half of the game in the medical room getting X-rays and getting a cast made. I am massively grateful for my teammate Zoe Harrison who stayed with me the whole time as I went through moments of crying hysterically followed by fits of giggles induced by gas and air! We managed to get out at half-time to watch the half-time act and although I was boogying and smiling away I just felt empty.

The girls were incredible. All week we trained well – there was a real positive energy floating around and we looked slick on the pitch. Everything clicked for them and it was an exciting style of rugby to watch.

This week will be our biggest test… France away is never easy but we perform well under pressure. As a group, we love being challenged so I can imagine all the players are up for it and want to finish on a high in Bordeaux. Winning is one thing, but winning a Grand Slam is an even better feeling.

Fixture

Womens Six Nations

France Womens

21 - 42

Full-time

England Womens

All Stats and Data

France have a few different threats to their game. They like to play fast rugby taking the quick tap options when they can as well as utilising their pacey back line to take the edge. I think England have a real opportunity to put their marker down as the best set-piece team in this tournament and disrupt/control momentum.

As for me, I will be cheering the girls on from home with a newly attached thumb! I would do anything to be out there playing but I know the girls will get the job done and bring home the trophy!

Don’t miss ‘Super Saturday’ this weekend, with three amazing matches going on throughout the day. The big one, the Grand Slam decider, kicks off at 16:45 BST. Coverage starts at 16:20 on BBC One – make sure you tune in to watch it and hopefully, you’ll see England win another Grand Slam!