Rosie Galligan: The Magical Support Received by England at the Women’s Rugby World Cup
England player Rosie Galligan has expressed her amazement at the support received by the team in the early stages of the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
The “Red Roses” have achieved resounding victories against the United States and Samoa, in front of a large audience in Sunderland and Northampton, respectively, marking a promising start to their campaign.
The third and final group stage match against Australia in Brighton is also close to selling out, and Galligan has stated that he has never before experienced such a passionate fanbase.Rosie Galligan has been overwhelmed by the support from England.
Galligan commented that the atmosphere has been “magical”. “Sunderland, the way we were walking down the street and seeing the excited fans, heading to the stadium, the fireworks as we got off the bus, I really felt something I had never experienced before,” Galligan said this week.
“I think this shows how far the sport has come, but also being at home in a tournament, compared to being on the other side of the world in New Zealand three years ago, makes a big difference.”
Galligan also mentioned that getting additional tickets for his family has been a challenge this week, as England looks to make a statement against the Wallaroos.
“I’ve been investigating in the staff WhatsApp group, trying to get some of their entries. But no, it will be great to have all our family and friends here,” added Galligan.
Galligan’s personal journey has been a source of inspiration.Galligan has become a key player in the English team.
In 2019, she contracted meningitis, which took her to the hospital and almost cost her her legs.
After returning to rugby in 2020, she fractured her ankle, which kept her out for a year. She returned to be part of the team in the 2022 World Cup, which was delayed.
“We all have our ups and downs, and life is like a roller coaster both on and off the field,” Galligan said.
“Being able to say that I had meningitis, I broke my ankle, I was out for a year trying to recover and I managed to do it… and then I’ve been involved in the England team ever since. That for me was a great achievement.”
“Not only did I get physically stronger from those really low moments, but I also became a completely different person mentally.”
“So it’s about taking things as they come calmly. You always remember the positive, but knowing that you overcame some really dark moments is also very important to remember.”
