Abby Dow: From Injury to Rugby Success | Red Roses and Jokes

The scream that Abby Dow let out when she broke her leg was so loud that, according to what she was told, it caused a nearby child to faint.

“How bad is that? I really should have kept it to myself a bit,” Dow commented with a mix of a smile and concern.

Abby Dow

The incident occurred on April 9, 2022, during a Six Nations match against Wales. Dow suffered a spiral fracture with his leg broken in three places, which required surgery. The estimated recovery time for this type of injury was about 10 months. Dow’s mind immediately focused on the World Cup, which would begin in New Zealand in October, just six months away.

The chances of playing were remote, a race against time with Dow as the big underdog. She asked the specialist if she could participate in the tournament.

“Honestly, probably not”, was the answer Dow received.

Specialist

“I remember sobbing and then Emily Ross, my physical therapist, said, ‘We have a small chance and we’re going to do everything we can for that small chance.’ She worked with me every day.”

Abby Dow

Ross even witnessed the surgery to fully understand what was happening. After what she describes as “the most intense period” of her career, with daily physiotherapy, Dow recovered in time to be included in the World Cup team. In the opening match against Fiji, he came on from the bench and scored in the second half. It was October 8, 2022, one day before the six-month anniversary of his injury.

Dow shone, and his selection reached the final, scoring four tries after overcoming great physical and mental adversity. Although they did not achieve the trophy, Dow gained a lot from the experience.

“I learned a lot about my body and how I should treat it, what it could do and what its limits were,” says Dow. “I think I was quite inexperienced in that sense before.

Abby Dow

“So, actually, after that, now I understand a lot more what my body needs.” Dow has been a crucial part of the team’s development since 2022. Now, one of the first on the team’s list, the 27-year-old player has won 54 matches with England. Strong in defense, with the ability to score and create tries. She is also the self-proclaimed expert in “dad jokes” of the team. “The problem is that I find myself funny,” explains Dow.

“Well, I don’t think anyone else finds me funny. I usually get a lot of complaints, but that means I’m funny.

Abby Dow

“I think I’m great personally, but oh well. That’s fine.”

Abby Dow

Her passion for crochet became evident before the match against Samoa. Having rested for the game, Dow was working with the needles in the stands before the start. Whether crafting a crochet masterpiece or telling jokes, it’s an example of the mix of personalities that makes the Red Roses unique, enjoyable, and, ultimately, successful. A winning environment begins when players are allowed to be themselves, which generates culture and cohesion, and success on the field. Whether it’s Dow’s jokes, the podcasts in which several players participate, or social media, each England player has space to express themselves. If England wants to lift the World Cup, their backline will play a key role. Wingers Dow and Jess Breach, as well as fullback Ellie Kildunne, have already proven their worth, with eight tries between them, despite Dow and Kildunne having only played one match so far. While the old saying that defense wins games may be true, having an elite attacking lineup like they do is a big reason why England is such a favorite.

“I think we’re very fortunate as a three-quarter unit to be able to play in different combinations and play a lot of minutes together,” Dow explains.

Abby Dow

“We know how each one plays. We’ve played together in the [PWR] and we’ve played against each other in the prem.

Abby Dow

“We have our different forms and we know how to work together. Jess is a very different winger to me and Ellie is very different as a fullback than if I played fullback or Jess played fullback.”