Meg Jones to Captain England Against Wales for First Time

When asked to reflect on her favorite rugby memory, Meg Jones chooses to highlight a moment from her early career.

While England's Rugby World Cup triumph in September marks a peak in her professional journey, Jones recalls an earlier chapter during her trial for the Cardiff Schoolboys Under-12 team—an experience that would become a significant milestone in her development as a player.

"It represented a turning point in my journey," Jones shared with BBC Sport.

"I was the only girl at the trial. The previous year, I hadn’t been selected, which was my first encounter with rejection within the sport."

Rather than viewing her gender as a disadvantage, she believed that financial resources played a crucial role in the selection process.

"The selection often favored the wealthier candidates," she noted.

"If your father had means, you were more likely to secure a spot. My father was a pipefitter welder from Cardiff, placing me within a working-class family. The team I was a part of—Glamorgan Wanderers—came from a lower socio-economic area in Cardiff, known as Ely."

Years later, one of her teammates from that trial recounted, "You were so impressive that they had no choice but to select you, despite my own aspirations."

"This experience solidified my fundamental beliefs about the sport: merit prevails. Regardless of your background, appearance, or gender—if you possess the required skill, you earn respect."

Historic Captaincy

On Saturday, Jones—a fluent Welsh speaker hailing from Cardiff—will captain England against her home nation for the first time.

Although switching allegiances in one of rugby's oldest rivalries could provoke tension, Jones's unique background provides a compelling narrative. With an English mother and having moved to the renowned rugby institution Hartpury College at the age of 16, her situation is exceptional.

School Days and Recognition

Gwennan Harries, who taught Jones at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf in North West Cardiff, recalls the high regard in which her rugby talents were held.

"I was a student teacher during Meg's time at the school," Harries explained. "Her reputation as part of the boys' team quickly became evident. She was instrumental in their success."

"The boys genuinely admired her. While they were skilled players themselves, they were disappointed when Meg had to depart from their team."

Due to regulations prohibiting mixed teams, Jones's rugby was limited to club activities with Cardiff Quins during evenings and weekends. Nevertheless, she continued to thrive in multiple sports at school.

"Given her skill set, she excelled across a variety of sports," Harries added. "She contributed to our hockey team, which won a national title."

Choosing England

Every Friday, students at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf would sing the Welsh anthem. Harries herself has represented Wales in football on 56 occasions. Initially, Jones envisioned a similar path for her rugby career.

However, as she progressed and evaluated her options for development, Jones made the strategic choice to pursue opportunities with England instead of Wales.

Her decision proved prescient. She made her debut for the Red Roses at just 18, starting at fly-half in a match against New Zealand in July 2015.

Since then, she has evolved into one of the premier players in women's rugby, clinching a World Cup title and earning recognition as a nominee for World Player of the Year.

Most recently, with Zoe Stratford stepping away from the sport to start a family, Jones was appointed England captain.

Staying True to Roots

Despite her responsibilities as captain, Jones maintains a strong connection to her Cardiff heritage.

"I still represent my roots, you know?" Jones asserted. "Wearing the red rose doesn’t diminish the parts of me from Cardiff."

In her hometown, this connection runs deep and is reciprocated.

"Even though she wears the red rose—something that isn't widely celebrated in Wales—everyone here is Meg's biggest supporter," Harries noted.

"What many admire about Meg is her ability to carve her own path while honoring her origins. It would be easy for her to distance herself from her Welsh roots, yet she routinely engages with the community, conducting interviews in Welsh and celebrating her identity proudly."

Inspiring the Next Generation

Jones frequently visits her former school, conducting coaching sessions, presenting awards, and motivating younger students.

During her tenure at Glantaf, a girls' rugby team was not available. However, that has changed, as several teams now flourish.

Among the current players is another Meg Jones, a student who recently represented Wales at the under-18 Six Nations festival, competing against England.

The senior Jones has actively mentored her younger counterpart, organizing specialized kicking sessions and even gifting her a pair of boots, which moved the student to tears of joy.

Harries has captured images of the two Meg Joneses together throughout the years, hoping that one day they will complete the collection by posing side by side after a match at the senior level.