Women’s Rugby World Cup: Scotland’s Emma Wassell on tumour hell

Having played in two warm-up fixtures against Italy and Ireland, Wassell feels physically back to her best.

The initial steps back into physical contact were not easy, however, and there were brief moments of doubt as to whether her body was ready for the demands of Test rugby.

“There was definitely a huge mental element to it just because it was my chest and that’s something when you’re playing rugby, it is going to get hit, whether it is being tackled, tackling or just landing on the ball,” Wassell said.

“Your sternum is taking an impact. So there was a lot around kind of just growing confidence there, but I reflect on after it happened and there was moments when I was coming back and I’m like, am I ever going to have the confidence to throw my body about again?

“There was a moment in time that I couldn’t really push myself off the ground. I really struggled and it was maybe four weeks that I was really weak.

“It was quite a daunting thought coming back to a full contact sport. And for me, it isn’t really about just getting back to full contact sport, it’s full contact sport at international level.

“I think I’ve only had one contact session where I had a wee cry. It was the first proper hit to my chest and I was fine, but I got a fright and I think I needed to do that. And it was in training. I was at the right stage of training to be doing that.

“But I got a shock and I got a scare and I almost had to feel it and realise I’m fine. I’m absolutely fine.

“I had a wee cry and then it was about just taking a couple of days and then back into it. And then I realised, OK, it’s on, we’re ready.”