Bristol, September 13 (Patrika English News): England have turned to Helena Rowland to fill the void left by Ellie Kildunne, who has been ruled out of the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Scotland due to concussion protocols.
Rowland, nicknamed “Miss Versatility” by head coach John Mitchell, has earned her reputation by covering almost every position in the backline during her 40 Test caps. The 25-year-old has played at fly-half, inside centre, outside centre, wing, and full-back — and has even practiced box-kicking to provide emergency cover at scrum-half.
“A 32-player squad needs versatility, and Helena is probably the most valuable person in the team,” Mitchell said. “She’s an outstanding rugby player with a phenomenal work-rate.”
Rowland will start at full-back in Bristol, preferred ahead of specialist Emma Sing. It is a position she looked set to secure at the last World Cup before an ankle injury in the semi-final against Canada ended her campaign.
While her switch may be temporary — Kildunne is expected to return next week — Rowland’s strong cover display against Australia, including a decisive tackle on Maya Stewart, has boosted confidence in her ability to marshal the backfield.
Rowland admitted her adaptability can be both “a blessing and a curse,” often keeping her in squads but making it harder to cement a regular starting role. Still, she insisted she is ready to embrace her opportunity:
“Would I like to start? Yes. But if this is the role I need to play at this World Cup, then I’ll do it to the best of my ability.”
