'Vancouver here we come': Red Roses travel to WXV

Vancouver here we come! It’s been a long five weeks trying to make the plane following a foot injury in pre-season and I’m really proud to have made the squad for WXV 1 2024.

I am currently sat at Gatwick Airport watching the lightning light up the runway with rain pouring down the windows. Our flight has been delayed but that won’t stop me from getting excited about tour.

Allianz Stadium was electric on Saturday. Over 40,000 fans were in attendance and they were on great form. There were some stand-out moments from a fan perspective.

The roar that filled the stadium when Abby Dow was leaping over defenders close to the sideline and then the moment when Abbie Ward stole a clean lineout ball from the Black Ferns - that also got the crowd excited.

We played some great rugby. We started to play in better areas of the pitch and utilised the kicking options from both first and second receiver. Our defence is growing and we are starting to reap the rewards of all our preseason efforts.

But what’s most exciting is we still have so much more potential to unlock. Most players have had their first game back now so the nerves will have settled, as well as the focus of being in a tournament.

Although it’s important to be ready to go for the warm-up games, it’s also a chance to make mistakes and learn from them. It’s all about growing and evolving.

Travel day is always a long day and one that you want to try and get right. You firstly want to try and avoid getting any colds on the plane. First defence, chewing gum and water are your best friend.

With an eight-hour time difference, you also want to try and start adjusting your sleep pattern. We have been told to nap early on in the flight and then stay awake for the rest.

It’s important to fuel your body still with the right foods as well. When we land it’ll be a case of staying up for the rest of the day and then making our hotel rooms feel like home. I have a candle and have brought some home comforts with me to make it feel more homely.

Right, time to go! See you on the flip side!