“That was probably the darkest time,” she reflects. “It wasn’t even the worst injury, because I missed the autumns but was back playing for my club three weeks later. I was like, ‘Why me?’ I was working really hard off the pitch to stay on it. That’s the hardest part, trying to avoid that victim mentality.
“I had a rugby mate who was going through something similar at the time. We’re both characters who crack on and think things will be okay and that you’ll ride it out. But it’s when you realise it’s three weeks down the line and you’re not riding it out, we realised we had to talk to someone.
“So we used the Rugby Players’ Association, called their [mental health] hotline and spoke to someone because when you’re in your own head, things can spiral.”
Although injuries have marred much of her life on the pitch, Reed has been an omnipresent figure in England’s squad. Perhaps her steely attitude stems from the fact that rugby runs in her family – her uncle, Andy Reed, won 19 caps for Scotland and was a British & Irish Lion. “My Scottish grandma has told me we’re not allowed to win by too much on Saturday,” laughs Reed. “She text me the other day saying, ‘Let them score a try.’”
That even Reed’s own grandma, Marjorie, can sense another straightforward English victory tells you everything you need to know about the competitiveness – or lack of it – in the Women’s Six Nations. England have claimed the title for the past four editions, although there is good reason to believe the competition could be a lot closer this time round, with all nations featuring professional players for the first time.
As England look to dust themselves down from last year’s World Cup disappointment, outgoing head coach Simon Middleton has been forced to heavily rotate his squad due to injuries to key personnel. Reed’s fellow centre, Emily Scarratt, looks almost certain to be out for the entire campaign, while Helena Rowland is only set to feature in the latter rounds.
