Abby Dow: Resilience, Jokes, and the Star Attack of the Red Roses

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

How bad is that? I really should have kept it to myself a bit.

Abby Dow

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

The chances of playing were slim. A race against time with Dow as the big underdog. She asked the specialist if she would make it to the tournament.

Honestly, you probably won’t.

Specialist

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

Abby Dow

Ross even witnessed the surgery to understand exactly what was happening. After what she describes as the “most intense” period of her career, with daily physiotherapy, Dow recovered in time to be part of 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 six months had passed since his leg fracture.

Dow shone and was key to England reaching the final, scoring four tries after overcoming great physical and mental adversity. Although the Red Roses did not win the trophy, Dow got a lot out of the experience.

I learned a lot about my body and how I should treat it, what I could do and what its limits were.

Abby Dow

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 and with offensive threats that allow her to score and set up tries. She is also the self-proclaimed expert in “dad jokes” of the team.

The problem is that I find them funny.

Abby Dow

Her passion for crochet was evident before the match against Samoa. After being rested for the game, Dow was knitting in the stands before the start. Whether you’re into questionable jokes or crochet masterpieces, it’s an example of the melting pot of personalities that make the Red Roses unique, enjoyable, and, ultimately, successful. A winning environment starts with the freedom of players to be themselves, which generates culture, 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 back three will play a key role. Dow and Jess Breach on the wings, as well as fullback Ellie Kildunne, have already demonstrated their collective qualities, with eight tries between them, despite the fact that Dow and Kildunne have only played one match so far. While the old saying that defense wins games may be true, having an elite offensive lineup like the one they have is a big reason why England is one of the big favorites. Once they get into action, they are difficult to stop.

I think we are very fortunate as a unit of three to be able to play in different combinations and play many minutes together.

Abby Dow

We know how each one plays. We have played together in the [PWR] and we have played against each other in the league. We have our different forms and we know how to work together. Jess is a very different winger than me and Ellie is very different in the back than if I played as a defender or Jess as a defender.