Wales flyer's shoulder op boosts race for Rugby World Cup fitness

Bristol and Wales wing Jasmine Joyce is on the mend following a successful operation to treat a chronic shoulder problem.

The two-time Olympian will miss the rest of Bristol Bears' Allianz Premier 15s season, but she expects to be fully recovered in time for the Rugby World Cup later this year.

“It was the right time to get this fixed in order to give me the best chance to be in the form of my life for Rugby World Cup," said Joyce.

“We have all of June off anyway and my rehab plan should see me return to a graduated training programme during our pre-season block in July.

"I’m hopeful that all being well I will be available for selection for the training camp and Test match in Canada in August but I know there could be knock backs along the way. The key for me was to get this sorted now to give me the best opportunity to be flying come September.

“I’m gutted to miss Bristol Bears’ push for the top spot in the Allianz Premier 15s but if I didn’t have the op now I would miss this window of opportunity and would risk missing more rugby if I delayed it until after the world cup.

“I have every faith in every one of the Bears’ players that they can get the job done at Exeter on Saturday and go into the semis as second placed team. All of these games will be tough now and it will be down to every team to take their chances on the day.

“I’m lucky I have the support of the WRU’s full-time programme and will be doing everything I can to get back as soon as possible. First it’s full rest but I expect to be on the bike within a couple of weeks, providing the medical staff are happy.

“Injuries are always tough mentally so I will make sure I stay connected to my team mates along with my family and friends, plus I have my dog Nala to keep me company!”